A Needs Assessment of People in the Eastern Health and Social Services Board (Northern Ireland) with Intellectual Disability and Dementia

Abstract

This article details a study undertaken by the Eastern Health and Social Services Board (Northern Ireland) which aimed to identify the number of people with intellectual disability within this area who were diagnosed with or were thought to have dementia. The objectives of the study were to collate demographic details and to profile the needs of this group. Key workers were asked to provide this information and were invited to comment on gaps in existing service provision and on future needs. A number of findings emerged: diagnostic services were patchy; people with dementia were living in a range of residential settings; carers wished to care for their clients for as long as practically possible, but they required extra resources and training to do so; and some individuals with an intellectual disability were excluded from elderly services. A report was compiled incorporating 12 recommendations.

Keywords

dementia Down's syndrome intellectual disability needs assessment

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References

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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES (NORTHERN IRELAND) (1997) Review of Policy for People with Learning Disabilities in Northern Ireland.

OLIVER, C. & HOLLAND, A. J. (1986) `Down's Syndrome and Alzheimer's Disease: A Review', Psychological Medicine 28: 1365-1377.

STALKER, K. , DUCKETT, P. & DOWNS, M. (1999) Going with the Flow: Choice, Dementia and People with Learning Difficulties. Report for the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities. London: Pavilion.