This article outlines the case for learning disability teams to provide routine screening of adults with Down's syndrome for early signs of dementia. It is illustrated by…
Abstract
This article outlines the case for learning disability teams to provide routine screening of adults with Down's syndrome for early signs of dementia. It is illustrated by reference to practice in one such service where clinical and research developments have gone hand in hand, with tangible benefits to clients, carers and the multi‐disciplinary team. Although specifically designed to meet the challenge of the increasing number of people with Down's syndrome who develop dementia, it is applicable to the care of all people with learning disabilities.
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This commentary complements the review by Hussein and Manthorpe by outlining the good practice established in one locality which now routinely screens all adults with Down's…
Abstract
This commentary complements the review by Hussein and Manthorpe by outlining the good practice established in one locality which now routinely screens all adults with Down's Syndrome. It reflects on patterns of accommodation, on staff training needs and on the implications of an integrated approach.
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Judith McBrien, Sarah Whitwham, Karen Olverman and Stuart Masters
Given the now well‐recognised risk of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) for adults with Down's Syndrome (DS) as they reach middle age, services for people with learning disability (LD…
Abstract
Given the now well‐recognised risk of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) for adults with Down's Syndrome (DS) as they reach middle age, services for people with learning disability (LD) need to meet this new challenge. Good practice guidance from the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities (Turk et al, 2001) recommended that every service for people with learning disability should set up a register of adults with DS, conduct a baseline assessment of cognitive and adaptive functioning before the age of 30 years, develop specialist skills in this area, offer training to other professionals, front‐line staff and carers, and seek high‐quality co‐ordination between agencies. This article reports the progress of one LD service in meeting these challenges, highlighting the successes and difficulties that may guide other teams considering such a development.
Liam Newton, Sophie Bishop, Jon Ettey and Judith McBrien
This is the second of two papers which aims to describe the development of a sex offender assessment and treatment service for men with intellectual disability (ID) within a…
Abstract
Purpose
This is the second of two papers which aims to describe the development of a sex offender assessment and treatment service for men with intellectual disability (ID) within a community ID service. The first paper by McBrien et al. in 2010 described the mapping of need, the assessment methods and results.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper describes how decisions were made about whether or not to enrol 20 assessed men on group treatment and outlines the treatment group and outcomes.
Findings
None of the seven men who completed treatment had committed a further sexual offence at 12‐24 months follow‐up. Other outcomes are discussed including the outcomes for the men who did not start or complete treatment. The available measures are not sufficiently sophisticated to detect change in individuals.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to the literature that describes the assessment and treatment of men with an ID who have committed sexually harmful behaviours. It describes one community service's response to the complex needs of this client group.
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Judith McBrien, Liam Newton and John Banks
Managing the risk of sex offending and sexually harmful behaviour presented by some men with intellectual disabilities is enhanced if community services map the number in their…
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Managing the risk of sex offending and sexually harmful behaviour presented by some men with intellectual disabilities is enhanced if community services map the number in their catchment area, apply appropriate risk assessment and management methods, and implement evidence‐based treatment. This paper describes the methods and progress of one community intellectual disability service in mapping and assessing the risks. A second paper is planned that will address progress in treatment.
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Judith McBrien and Michael Power
Adults with learning disabilities who become parents and need support evoke a range of responses from health and social care professionals. Providing effective support while…
Abstract
Adults with learning disabilities who become parents and need support evoke a range of responses from health and social care professionals. Providing effective support while safeguarding the welfare of the children is one of the more complex challenges facing practitioners. The article describes an audit, training and evaluation that throws light on some of the underlying difficulties, particularly differences in attitudes and approach between health and social services staff that can obstruct joint working and effective practice. Attention to this area is important in the light of the drive towards integrated health and social care provision.
Judith McBrien and Dianne Miller
Existing contract currencies often carry a disincentive to community care and are demotivating for staff. This Case Study describes the opportunities to develop a more sensible…
Abstract
Existing contract currencies often carry a disincentive to community care and are demotivating for staff. This Case Study describes the opportunities to develop a more sensible approach and an initiative to develop contracts based on outcomes.