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Thompson, David

Futures planning for people with learning disabilities living with older family carers

People with learning disabilities are increasingly outliving their parents. To avoid traumatic and inappropriate transitions from the family home in later life, services need to improve their relationships with families. Practical examples are given of how families are being supported to face the future. 

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:16

Growing older with learning disabilities: the GOLD programme

This paper provides an overview of the GOLD programme at the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities. It describes the work of the 13 funded projects in a context of wider research concerning ageing and learning disabilities. Particular attention is given to those people living with older family carers and those living in residential services for older people. The picture is of services that offer little confidence for the future, as people with learning disabilities grow older.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:14

Commentary on “Growing older together: ageing and people with learning disabilities and their family carers”

Purpose – This commentary aims to support Carol Walker and Cally Ward's paper by directing readers to work which could guide their practice with older people with learning disabilities and ageing family carers.

Design/methodology/approach – The paper is a selected review of initiatives to support older people with learning disabilities and their family carers over the past decade. Examples from the author's personal contacts are used to illustrate the discussion.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:13

Working with older family carers and relatives with learning disabilities

The new white paper in England is an opportunity for services to stop and think about their relationship with families. This article looks specifically at the situation of older family carers and why services often fail to 'make sense' to them. It shows that these families often do not get the support they need, leaving them in great anxiety about the future. Examples are given of practical initiatives that have worked successfully with older families.

Thu, 07/20/2017 - 15:08