Thinking ahead: improving support for people with learning disabilities and their families to plan for the future

Author:
TOWERS Christine
Publisher:
Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities
Publication year:
2013
Pagination:
28
Place of publication:
London

In the next 20 years, the number of people with learning disabilities aged 65+ is predicted to double. The greatest increase in life expectancy will be in people with mild learning disabilities who will have a comparable life expectancy with those in the general population of a similar socio-economic group. Therefore, families with people with learning disabilities will need to plan for their future care. The Thinking Ahead project aims to raise awareness about these concerns with policy-makers, local authority managers in social care and housing, carers’ organisations and more widely in the community. This report presents the findings of a survey about families' level of worry about the future, and how much help they have had in planning for a future when they will not around to support or care for a son or daughter with learning disabilities. The report also outlines findings from workshops and the development of a planning guide and its content. It recommends that policy and guidance on supporting people with learning disabilities and their families need to include statements on the importance of planning for the future, with requirements for local services to have a clear system to ensure future plans are developed. (Original abstract)

Subject terms:
learning disabilities, families, care planning, local authorities, person-centred planning, surveys;
Location(s):
United Kingdom
Link:
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