Abstract

People with learning disabilities are at greater risk of physical and psychiatric illness than the population at large, but their health needs are often not adequately supported.

This book is a practical guide for those caring for people with learning disabilities living in community settings. It is designed to help the carers to better understand what the service users' health needs may be, how to recognise problems, and how to meet their needs. Chapter topics include physical health issues such as epilepsy, common health problems and diet and well-being; mental health issues such as dementia, depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety; and information related to common issues such as sleep and swallowing problems. The book also includes advice on screening programmes and health checks.

Written in an accessible and straightforward style, this book will be an invaluable guide for anyone caring for someone with a learning disability, including social carers, health facilitators, community nurses and family carers.

David Perry, Louise Hammond, Geoff Marston and Sherryl Gaskell are all based at the Caludon Centre at the Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust, UK. David Perry is Consultant Psychiatrist, specialising in learning disabilities; Louise Hammond is Lead Health Facilitator; Geoff Marston is Consultant Psychiatrist, specialising in learning disabilities; and Sherryl Gaskell is Strategic Health Facilitator. James Eva is an independent medicolegal psychiatrist and Mental Health Review Tribunal medical member, living in Cornwall.
This helpful and comprehensive guide for carers and health facilitators highlights the key areas to consider in maintaining or improving the health of people with a learning disability. It covers physical and mental health issues, including the client's capacity to consent to treatment.
Nursing Standard
This handy volume provides a helpful and practical overview for carers and families alike who are keen to ensure they are meeting the physical and mental health needs of people with learning disabilities. Its accessible and open approach and the inclusion of an invaluable glossary of terms is ideal for those new to the issues but also provides useful material and signposting for those with more experience in the field.
Steve Carnaby, Consultant Lead Clinical Psychologist with Westminster Learning Disability Partnership and Honorary Lecturer in Learning Disability at Kent University, UK