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Independent living

Carer participation: training for people with intellectual disabilities in a Chinese society

People with intellectual disabilities require training to improve independence, and carers are important partners in the process. Studies show that carers are able to motivate family members with intellectual disabilities to participate in training. In addition, family members may serve as cotrainers. To increase carers' participation, it is necessary to empower them with training techniques and develop strategies to relieve their stress.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:22

After a Long-Term Placement: Investigating Educational Achievement, Behaviour, and Transition to Independent Living

This study describes the transition towards independent living of 123 former fostered young people reared for long periods in a private French organisation, SOS Children’s Villages. Three generations of care leavers were analysed through a postal survey and interviews. Their narratives show typical pathways after leaving care. Two-thirds became independent without major problems by the age of 24–25. Analyses have shown that the absence of severe emotional and behavioural disorders, and diplomas obtained, improved their odds of becoming independent.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:21

Extended safety and support systems for people with dementia living at home

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to highlight the complexity surrounding the implementation of advanced electronic tracking, communication and emergency response technologies, namely, an extended safety and support (ESS) system for people with dementia (pwd) living at home. Results are presented from a Swedish demonstration study (2011-2012) conducted in 24 municipalities.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:20

People not processes: the future of personalisation and independent living

This report summarises findings from two seminars which aimed to bring together a range of perspectives on personalisation and its future. Participants included service users, carers, social care practitioners (including a personal assistant, support worker and a care home manager) and policy makers. The report looks at what personalisation meant those attending and presents some key characteristics.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:20

Challenging behaviour and learning disabilities: independent living

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.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:18

Dependence, independence or inter-dependence? Revisiting the concepts of 'care' and 'dependency'

Research and theory on ‘dependency’ and ‘care-giving’ have to date proceeded along largely separate lines, with little sense that they are exploring and explaining different aspects of the same phenomenon. Research on ‘care’, initially linked to feminism during the early 1980s, has revealed and exposed to public gaze what was hitherto assumed to be a ‘natural’ female activity. Conversely, disability activists and writers who have promoted a social model of disability have seen the language of and the policy focus upon ‘care’ as oppressive and objectifying.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:16

Active ageing among older adults with lifelong intellectual disabilities: the role of familial and nonfamilial social networks

Little research has examined the extent to which active ageing is facilitated by family and nonfamilial support persons of older adults with intellectual disabilities. This study explores the role played by key unpaid carers/support persons of older adults with lifelong intellectual disabilities in facilitating “active ageing.” All key social network members conceived active ageing to mean ongoing activity.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:16

Impact of informal care levels on discontinuation of living at home in community-dwelling dependent elderly using various community-based services

The aim of the study was to examine the effect of informal care levels on overall discontinuation of living at home, all-cause death, hospital admission, and long-term care placement for community-dwelling older people using various community-based services during a 3-year period. Prospective cohort study of 1582 community-dwelling disabled elderly and paired informal caregivers was conducted.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:14

Caring one-to-one: supporting independent living

This DVD aims to help people understand what people who care for others in their own homes on a one-to-one basis do, how they feel about their jobs and what skills and experience they need to be a good carer.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:11