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Ageing and people with learning disabilities: in search of evidence
- Author:
- WALKER Carol
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 43(4), 2015, pp.246-253.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Background: Growing numbers of people with learning disabilities are now living into older age. This study aims to examine the state of knowledge about their lives and the challenges that ageing has for both family carers and policymakers and practitioners. Materials and Methods: The article synthesises existing research in the fields of learning disability, ageing and family and social care with a view to learning lessons from these separate fields, identifying possibilities for collaboration and identifying gaps in knowledge. Results: The article concludes that existing research in the fields of ageing and family and social care can add significantly to an understanding of the impact of ageing on people with learning disabilities and their carers but, to date, there has been little collaboration or sharing of knowledge between the three areas. Conclusion: The article concludes that further research is required to fully understand the impact of ageing on the quality of life of people with learning disabilities and their family carers and to inform the design and delivery of services. A useful and productive way forward would be learn from and to work with researchers in cogniscent fields, notably, but not only, in the fields of social gerontology and family and social care. (Publisher abstract)
Growing older together: ageing and people with learning disabilities and their family carers
- Authors:
- WALKER Carol, WARD Cally
- Journal article citation:
- Tizard Learning Disability Review, 18(3), 2013, pp.112-119.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
This article explores the new challenge posed by the first generations of people with learning disabilities who are now living into older age in significant numbers. Most are living with family carers, who are themselves ageing. This represents a major transition in people's lives and one to which services must respond if a normal life event is not to be turned into a crisis. The article draws on the work of the authors for over a decade in this field. It examines the implications for both the older people themselves and for the ageing family carers with whom the majority live and of current government policy in social care and welfare benefits for this very vulnerable group. Learning disabled people are likely to experience the age discrimination common in much older people provision and practice and the caring relationship is undermined in the short and long term. Evidence on the extension of personalisation indicates that it presents very considerable challenges for this group of families. More information is needed on this growing population. More preventative support is needed to sustain the caring relationship while the family is living together, to support families to plan for the future, and to provide support when the caring relationship breaks down. (Edited publisher abstract)
Normalisation and 'normal' ageing: the social construction of dependency among older people with learning difficulties
- Authors:
- WALKER Alan, WALKER Carol
- Journal article citation:
- Disability and Society, 13(1), February 1998, pp.125-142.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
This article discusses the new phenomenon of the survival into old age of the increasing numbers of people with learning difficulties. This raises both theoretical and practical policy issues. Argues that the concept of normalisation is flawed when applied to older people. The alternative of social integration is proposed as the basis for organising health and social services for both older people and those with learning difficulties.
Uncertain futures: people with learning difficulties and their ageing family carers
- Authors:
- WALKER Carol, WALKER Alan
- Publisher:
- Pavilion
- Publication year:
- 1998
- Pagination:
- 60p.,bibliog.
- Place of publication:
- Brighton
Provides an overview of research, policy and practice relating to service responses to adults with learning difficulties living at home with older family carers. Highlights issues raised by service users, carers and service providers and finds a broad consensus on what is wrong and what needs to be done. Argues that future needs of this group of people are predictable and that there is an urgent need for service providers to work with families to provide the necessary and planning which will replace uncertain futures with security and peace of mind.