The Needs of those with Learning Disabilities Flashcards
The physical need for nutrition
People with learning disabilities may need support with shopping and cooking and with understanding the difference between a healthy diet and an unhealthy diet as well as why a healthy diet is so important.
Some people with PMLD may struggle to swallow foods and will need a special diet of soft foods; many also need help with feeding because of their physical disabilities.
The physical need for exercise and mobility
People with learning disabilities may enjoy exercise but some may need someone to go with them, for example, the local swimming pool.
People with PMLD may have limited mobility due to their physical problems.
The physical need for personal hygiene
Some people with learning disabilities may need some support and encouragement with personal hygiene, for example, with bathing or showering and keeping their clothes clean.
Whistle those with PMLD will usually need someone to do these tasks with them and for them.
The intellectual need for stimulation
People with learning disabilities need stimulating activities that suit their individual level of understanding.
The intellectual need for knowledge of illness or condition
People with learning disabilities may need health and social care practitioners to explain an illness or condition and its treatment to them in language they can easily understand.
The intellectual need for opportunity to learn new skills
People with learning disabilities may take more time than others to learn new skills but should be given as many opportunities to do so as possible - the range of skills will depend very much on the abilities of each individual.
