Emerald | Tizard Learning Disability Review | Table of Contents

Getting on with it

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Peter McGill) — Fri, 05 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Not available.

Growing Older Together: Ageing and people with learning difficulties and their family carers

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Carol Anne Walker, Cally Ward) — Fri, 05 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - This article explores the new challenge posed by the first generations of people with learning disabilities who are now living into older age in significant numbers. Most are living with family carers, who are themselves ageing. This represents a major transition in people's lives and one to which services must respond if a normal life event is not to be turned into a crisis. Though this issue has been acknowledged by government, much more needs to be done to provide people with learning disabilities and their families with the necessary support to enjoy a healthy and active old age. Design/methodology/approach - This article draws on the work of the authors for over a decade in this field. (FPLD 2002; FPLD 2005; FPLD 2010; Walker and Magrill 2002; Ward 2001). Findings - Learning disabled people are likely to experience the age discrimination common in much older people provision and practice and the caring relationship is undermined in the short and long term. Evidence on the extension of personalisation indicates that it presents very considerable challenges for this group of families.Practical implications - More information is needed on this growing population. More preventative support is needed to sustain the caring relationship while the family is living together, to support families to plan for the future, and to provide support when the caring relationship breaks down.Originality/value - The article draws together data from the fields of ageing, learning disability and family care to highlight the increasing challenge, which this growing, but neglected, population presents both for policy and practice. It examines the implications on both the older people themselves and on the ageing family carers with whom the majority live and of current government policy in social care and welfare benefits on this very vulnerable group.

Commentary on "Growing Older Together: Ageing and people with learning disabilities and their family carers"

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (David Thompson) — Fri, 05 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - This commentary aims to support Carol Walker’s 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 - 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.Findings - There are excellent materials to support practice. These include several resources to use directly with people with learning disabilities. However the policy and funding framework of services can stand in the way of people getting good support. It can also make people’s lives more difficult, including increasing social isolation.Originality/value - Provides the reader with the means to access practical tools, including free web based resources

People with Learning Disabilities and Microenterprise: A study

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Tess Reddington, Jan Fitzsimons) — Fri, 05 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - This work examines the outcomes for people with learning disabilities who run microenterprises, and considers how microenterprise might provide an alternative to day centre, training provision, conventional volunteering, or paid employment.Design/methodology/approach - Views were sought from entrepreneurs with learning disabilities, support workers, health and social care professionals, and family members to understand what worked and what didn’t work, and to consider if microenterprises are a viable alternative to more traditional activities for people with learning disabilities. Findings - The report will add a new insight contribute to the body of knowledge that exists in this field, and is executed with a view to sharing best practice. Research limitations/implications - Whilst the report sought to investigate all aspects of people with a learning disability working in a microenterprise we recognise that there is a tendency in such cases for only those with a positive experience to come forward.Practical implications - This paper explores and examines the barriers to enterprise and how learning-disabled entrepreneurs can best be supported to achieve success. Originality/value - We understand that this is the first research of its kind in the UK that assesses how microenterprise can work for people with learning disabilities.

Communication is the key: Improving outcomes for people with learning disabilities.

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Alix Lewer, Celia Harding) — Fri, 05 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - Purpose – This paper introduces the Open Communication Tool (OCT) as introduced in "From ‘What do you do?’ to ‘A Leap of Faith’: Developing more efficient indirect intervention for adults with learning disabilities".Design/methodology/approach - Design, methodology, approach – Qualitative data from a study identifying barriers to effective intervention was used to create a model of working practice. Findings - Findings – This paper presents a model of addressing intervention which could be used by the broader multidisciplinary team to increase successful intervention outcomes and pinpoint concerns about care providers who do not engage with professionals to whom individuals are referred. Originality/value - Originality / value - The authors suggest that a more consistent and robust approach to delivering indirect intervention could be used to improve practice and bridge communication gaps between healthcare providers and commissioners / monitoring bodies of services for people with learning disabilities.

Commentary on "Communication is the key: Improving outcomes for people with learning disabilities"

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Jill Bradshaw) — Fri, 05 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this article is to provide a commentary on Lewer and Harding’s article about the use of ‘The Open Communication Tool’ (OCT) Design/methodology/approach - This article reviews the OCT as a method of both developing shared goals and understandings and identifying implementation issues. Findings - The OCT can provide a useful model when working in services. It might be enhanced by also including ways of systematically addressing the views of the person with a learning disability and their family members. Originality/value - Indirect interventions delivered in the way described may be problematic in that some research (Bradshaw and Goldbart, 2013) suggests that staff teams place greater value on knowledge that is directly gained by experience of working with the person. This raises questions relating to the model within which clinical services are often delivered to supported housing settings and whether this needs to change.

Estimating how many deaths of people with learning disabilities in England could be prevented by better medical care.

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Gyles Glover, Eric Emerson) — Fri, 05 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - Using the findings of the Confidential Inquiry into Premature Deaths of People with Learning Disabilities, to estimate the likely annual number of deaths of people with learning disabilities in England that would be amenable to healthcare, or both amenable and preventable.Design/methodology/approach - Two scaling approaches, one based on age profiles of the population of the study area and of the country, the other on General Practice Quality and Outcome Framework (QOF) learning disability register statistics.Findings - National estimates of the annual number of deaths either amenable to healthcare or both amenable and preventable were 1413 using the age-based scaling approach and 1238 using the QOF-based approach. The two estimates are reasonably close and represent about three and a half people a day or 25 a week. Originality/value - The likely accuracy of the estimates depend on how representative of the country the study area is. There are reasons for thinking that people with learning disability are, if anything, likely to be more accurately recognised and better treated there. Both influences would have the effect of reducing national estimates using our methods. This suggests they should be seen as a minimum.

Bereavement, loss and learning disabilities - a guide for professionals and carers

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (David John Oliver) — Fri, 05 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Not available.

Living with Learning Disabilities, Dying with Cancer - Thirteen Personal Stories

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Rachel Forrester-Jones) — Fri, 05 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Not available.

Review of Caring for the Physical and Mental Health of People with Learning Disabilities

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Holly Butcher) — Fri, 05 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Not available.

Active support: enabling and empowering people with intellectual disabilities

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Sandy Toogood) — Fri, 05 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Not available.