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Learning disabilities

A comparative study of stress and unmet needs in carers of South Asian and white adults with learning disabilities

People with learning disabilities have high dependency needs and high prevalence of physical, psychological and social morbidities. Some studies have shown that South Asian and white populations have a similar prevalence of learning disabilities and related psychological morbidity (McGrother et al, 2002), although other studies have shown an increased prevalence of severe levels of learning disabilities in the South Asian population (Emerson et al, 1997).

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:19

Development and psychometric properties of the Glasgow Depression Scale for people with a learning disability

Background There is no reliable and valid self-report measure of depressive symptoms for people with learning disabilities. Aims To develop a scale for individuals with learning disability, and a supplementary scale for carers. Method Items were generated from a range of assessment scales and through focus groups. A draft scale was piloted and field tested using matched groups of people with or without depression, and their carers.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:19

'Pick and mix': supporting carers to have a break

The short break services provided by Heritage Care to help both people with learning disabilities and their carers is presented. The article explains how the introduction of personal budgets (including Individualised Service Funds) has enabled the organisation to develop more customised and flexible services. The organisation provides both residential and outreach services.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:19

Planning ahead: meeting the needs of older people with intellectual disabilities in the United Kingdom

Despite the acknowledged increase in the number of older people with intellectual disabilities (ID) in the UK, the age-related health and social care needs of this population have yet to be fully understood and addressed. Although there is some evidence of positive development, the current picture of service provision is characterized by fragmentation and limited choice of resources and specialist care. Policy aims are variably met and inconsistently applied.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:19

An evaluation of the Mencap family adviser service in northern Ireland

For over three years, Mencap (Nl) has provided and largely funded an ‘Information and Advice Service’ aimed primarily at family carers and people with learning disabilities. The service employs four advisers who cover most of Northern Ireland, offering telephone but also face-to-face contact with enquirers. They have access to a specially developed, computerized database that contains details of local as well as national resources. This paper describes the service and the evaluation process used.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:18

Family voices: life for family carers of people with intellectual disabilities in Ireland

Background: Families in Ireland remain the main providers of support for people with Intellectual disabilities, and the aim of this study was to map their life experiences whilst involving their family members as co-researchers.

Materials and Method: This qualitative, participatory study involved 10 focus groups attended by 70 parents and siblings of people with intellectual disabilities. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:18

Exploring coping strategies of carers looking after people with intellectual disabilities and dementia

Purpose – Carers play a vital role in looking after people with intellectual disabilities (ID). Caring role can be stressful and challenging in nature. Carers use various coping strategies to deal with stressors. The purpose of this paper is to explore coping strategies of carers looking after people with ID and dementia.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:18

System-wide information about family carers of adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities: scoping review of the literature

Family carers play an important role supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) into adulthood. Funders of services often desire this ongoing involvement by family members yet they rarely collect data about family carers. As policy makers and planners are increasingly recognizing the need for information related to indicators of system performance, a scoping review was conducted to identify system-wide information needed about family carers of adults with I/DD that would help improve the quality of service provided.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:17

Views and experiences of people with intellectual disabilities and their families: (1) the user perspective

The present paper presents a descriptive summary of the views and experiences of people with intellectual disabilities (IDs) as they have been represented in research and other literature. The authors develop further the DoH Research Initiative on Learning Disability: Proposal for a Research Review on the Views and Experiences of Users and Carers, a review report commissioned by the Department of Health on the views and experiences of users and family carers focusing on the ways in which research might contribute to policy and practice.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:17

Older carers of adults with a learning disability confront the future: Issues and preferences in planning

The Valuing People White Paper (Department of Health, 2001) requires services to secure a plan for all service-users with learning disabilities living with older carers and promises them and their families more choice and control over how and where they live. This paper examines the views of the older carers (aged over seventy) of sixty-two adults with a learning disability about planning for the future. Fifty-six took part in interviews in their own homes and six completed a questionnaire.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:17

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