Families

This briefing paper provides information for family carers who are supporting a teenager or young adult with severe learning disabilities and behaviour described as challenging, who is approaching transition to adult services. It aims to help carers understand what expect from local services, to help identify what 'good' services look like, to help them ask for the support they and their family need and to help them work in partnership with the professionals.

This learning object focuses primarily on the later stages of dementia and on managing the more significant or prominent challenges - and symptoms - associated with this level of dementia. The material aims to reflect, where possible, the experiences of people with dementia and their family carers. Many of the examples given are located in a care home setting although the issues are also very relevant to supporting a person with dementia in the community.

People with severe learning disabilities sometimes use behaviour that is said to be challenging, in order to communicate. This film illustrates that, with good support, people with challenging behaviour and severe learning disabilities can be enabled to enjoy independent, fulfilling lives. It explains why some people display challenging behaviour, and it shows how consistent, personalised support can reduce or prevent it. We see how vital it is to support family carers properly, and why people with challenging behaviour should not be excluded from services.

The film introduces Jill Hunter who was recently discharged from hospital with limited mobility, following major surgery. Jill lives alone and was determined to return to her independent lifestyle. To enable this, Central Bedfordshire adult social care services commissioned their reablement team to work with Jill. We hear from two community reablement workers about the incredible transition people like Jill can make from initially requiring intensive support to being completely independent.

A DVD in 10 languages to raise awareness of the need for short break carers from Black and minority ethnic communities. To inform potential carers about the rewards and challenges involved in providing short breaks to disabled children. To increase the take up of short break services by the families of disabled children of Black and minority ethnic communities. With English version narrated by Linford Christie.

This article looks at one model of how mental health professionals relate to carers and families.  It then goes on to consider some research on aspects of the family environment, and the impact that mental illness has on how clients and families relate to one another.  Finally it offers suggestions as to how this material might be relevant to our approach to social work in mental health.

This film focuses on the work of Nicola James, a social worker for Surrey County Council. Nicola works with disabled young adults and their carers. She introduces us to Caroline Hunter, who cares for her son, who is autistic and has severe learning disabilities. Nicola’s work with the Hunter family demonstrates how considering the needs of both the service user and the carer can have a positive impact on the whole family.