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Discussing the menopause with women with learning disabilities
- Authors:
- McCARTHY Michelle, MILLARD Lorraine
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 31(1), 2003, pp.9-17.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Traditionally, little attention has been paid to the menopause as it affects women with learning disabilities. Consequently, older women with learning disabilities have rarely been adequately prepared for, or supported through, what for most women is a significant 'change of life'. None of the existing literature focuses on the women's perspectives, but rather, looks at menopause from a medical angle, in particular focusing on the timing of onset. The research study described in the present paper is an attempt to gain some insights into the ways in which women with learning disabilities perceive the menopause. The main informants were women with learning disabilities themselves, but also general practitioners, staff in learning disability services and parents who still cared for their middle-aged daughters at home. The research project also involved the non-disabled researchers working alongside two groups of women with learning disabilities, who acted as advisors and consultants to the project.
User focus groups and Best Value in services for people with learning disabilities
- Authors:
- CAMBRIDGE Paul, McCARTHY Michelle
- Journal article citation:
- Health and Social Care in the Community, 9(6), November 2001, pp.476-489.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Examines the problems and potentials of employing user focus groups as part of an approach to defining and reviewing Best Value in local authority and jointly commissioned services for people with learning disabilities. Drawing on experience from three local authority initiatives and wider experience with Best Value, the article describes the development of user focus groups for helping review adult placement, outreach and day services for people with learning disabilities. The key methodological considerations for consulting with service users with learning disabilities through focus groups are identified and the interpretation of outcomes considered. Concludes with pointers for the effective operation of user focus groups in local authority Best Value reviews of services for people with learning disabilities, of use to practitioners, service managers and commissioners.