Caring for people with learning disability

Question 1

What are the four key care priorities of professionals caring for people with a learning disability?

Answer 1

Choice, for people and their families, so they have a say in their care.
Care in the community, with personalised support provided by multidisciplinary teams.
Innovative services that offer a range of care options, within personal budgets, so that care meets individual needs.
Providing early, intensive support for people who need it so they can stay independent in the community, near home.

Question 2

How is care provided?

Answer 2

Through; 
Family and friends 
Support workers
Psychologists 
Social workers
Focusing on people, professionals may refer to some people with learning disabilities as "people with behaviour which challenges". It is important to recognise that they are people first and their condition is not the main way that they should be recognised, labelled or treated.

Question 3

What is the carers role when caring for a service user with learning disabilities?

Answer 3

When caring for people with learning disabilities, carers should follow the correct policies and procedures.
They should;
Preserve independence
Use language the person can understand
Ensure that the person’s preferences are respected
Empathise
Treat the person with dignity
Ensure information about the person remains confidential
Facilitate social activities
Support the person to access appropriate healthcare
Report risk
Make sure the care meets the person’s needs