Care and Support of People Growing Older With Learning Disabilities
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2018).
London (United Kingdom): National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 1-366.
This guideline provides recommendations on the care and support of people with learning disabilities as they grow older. This guideline defines a learning disability by the following criteria:
<ul>
<li>lower intellectual ability (usually an IQ of less than 70);</li>
<li>significant impairment of social or adaptive functioning; and</li>
<li>onset in childhood.</li>
</ul>
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (United Kingdom)
This guideline was reviewed with the following:<ul><li>National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2019). <em>Learning Disability: Care and Support of People Growing Older (Quality Standard 187)</em>. Retrieved from www.nice.org.uk</li></ul>
<div>"Explain at an early stage to people with learning disabilities (particularly people with Down syndrome) and their family members, carers and advocates about the link between learning disabilities and dementia. Explain the signs of dementia, how it usually progresses and what support is available. Give people:</div>
<ul>
<li>printed information on dementia;</li>
<li>opportunities for one-to-one discussion with a professional; [and]</li>
<li>advice on communication strategies for people with dementia" (NICE, 2018; p. 26).</li>
</ul>
<div>People with learning disabilities may need support to communicate their needs and remember information. With the person's consent, share information (e.g., changes to care and support, management of health conditions) with family members, carers, or advocates (NICE, 2018).</div>
<div>"People growing older with a learning disability are actively involved when their care and support needs are being assessed" (NICE, 2019; p. 6). "People growing older with a learning disability are involved in developing a plan for the future and reviewing it at least annually" (NICE, 2019; p. 14).</div>
<div>Discuss age-related changes and monitor people with learning disabilities for symptoms of common age-related conditions, including:</div>
<ul>
<li>dementia;</li>
<li>dysphagia or difficulty swallowing; and/or</li>
<li>hearing loss (NICE, 2018).</li>
</ul>
<div>"Commissioners should ensure information is provided to family members, carers and advocates of people with learning disabilities who are being assessed for, or have been diagnosed with dementia. Consider also providing training. Information and training might cover:</div>
<ul>
<li>types of dementia;</li>
<li>how dementia might present in people with different learning disabilities;</li>
<li>care pathways for different dementias;</li>
<li>practical steps to manage daily life;</li>
<li>communication skills; [and]</li>
<li>how to find further advice and ongoing support, including support groups and respite services (short breaks)" (NICE, 2018; p. 26).</li>
</ul>
<div>When necessary, seek advice from, or refer people to, a speech-language pathologist to support communication and information needs as people with learning disabilities may have difficulty communicating their health needs (NICE, 2018).</div>
