Sexual knowledge of women with learning disabilities in secure settings attitudes and shows wide range of misunderstandings and confusions

There is sparse evidence for the efficacy and safety of antipsychotics in people with learning disabilities.

Research in the field of mental health has suggested associations between risky sexual behaviour and common psychiatric conditions, with higher than prevalence rates of HIV than found in the national average, risk of sexual coercion and high rates of relationship breakdown. The authors of this paper suggest that there are encouraging signs of positive attitudes [read the full story…]

Risk factors for falls amongst adults with learning disabilities identified in US study

our voice

In 2010, a study by Age UK suggested that up to one in three people aged 65 and over fall each year and that the cost to the NHS in England of falls amongst older people was estimated to be up to £4.6m a day. Age UK suggest that if older people took regular exercise [read the full story…]

Fear of increased injury should not be perceived as a risk when employing people with learning disabilities

Jobs

Despite many people with learning disabilities expressing the wish that they would like the opportunity to work, rates of employment remain extremely low. One concern that potential employers may have is that the risk of injury to workers with learning disabilities may be greater and consequently, insurance costs may rise. This Canadian study set out [read the full story…]

Structured assessment framework improves adherence to requirements of mental capacity act

Law

The Mental Capacity Act has created a legal framework for those supporting people with learning disabilities making decisions about the way they live their lives. The Act provides safeguards for those people who may be unable to make decisions for themselves and sets out guidance for supporters. The authors of this paper carried out an [read the full story…]

Families of people with learning disabilities in out of area placements feel uninvolved and concerned about lack of improvements

Window_look

People with learning disabilities and complex needs can often find themselves in services far from their family homes, particularly the case if the person has a mental health problem. This study set out to find out the views of family members of those people who were being cared for in out-of-area psychiatric hospitals. The authors [read the full story…]