Search results for ‘Subject term:"learning disabilities"’ Sort:
Results 1 - 2 of 2
Breaking point: families still need a break
- Author:
- MENCAP
- Publisher:
- Mencap
- Publication year:
- 2006
- Pagination:
- 24p.
- Place of publication:
- London
The report found that families caring for children and adults with a severe or profound learning disability are reaching breaking point. The report reveals that 7 out of 10 families surveyed have come close to, or reached, breaking point because of a continuing lack of short break provision by local authorities and trusts. The survey also revealed that 1 out of 3 of families have experienced a cut in their short break services in the last year. Short breaks can be provided in a range of settings, for example care at home or an overnight stay at a respite centre. With 6 out of 10 families surveyed not getting a break that fully meets their needs, Mencap is demanding breaks that are reliable, flexible and frequent. The charity is calling for increased funding for short breaks to be addressed in the government’s 2007 Comprehensive Spending Review and for a minimum standards guarantee(2) to be introduced. This would entitle families in greatest need, to a minimum standard of one break a week, spread over the course of a year.
Short breaks support is failing family carers: reviewing progress 10 years on from Mencap's first Breaking Point report
- Author:
- MENCAP
- Publisher:
- Mencap
- Publication year:
- 2013
- Pagination:
- 49
- Place of publication:
- London
Updates the findings of an earlier Mencap report to investigate whether recent policy initiatives have improved the availability and provision of short breaks provision for people caring for family members learning disabilities. It also examines the extent to which cuts to central and local budgets have impacted on services. A total of 264 family carers responded to a survey on short breaks provision and caring. Freedom of Information requests were also sent to 152 local authorities in England that provide social services. The survey found that 8 out of 10 family carers have reached breaking point due to the lack of short breaks. Families also felt that services they were not having regular assessments and that services were not meeting their needs. The lack of access to short breaks has also a serious impact on family carers, such as stress or having to give up work. The report includes quotes from family carers who responded to the survey. Recommendations are also made for local authorities, central government and service providers. (Original abstract)