Care for people with learning disabilities

Care for people with learning disabilities


Internationally, it is agreed that a learning disability (sometimes referred to as ‘intellectual disability’) exists when the following are present: ‘Learning impairment (reduced IQ), social or adaptive dysfunction and early onset before 18 years of age’ (Holland, 2011). Currently, it estimated that 2% of the population has a learning disability, but this number is increasing.


People with learning disabilities



  • Have a high rate of morbidity and complex healthcare needs that are unmet
  • Are living longer and have more risk of advanced, progressive disease
  • Are often diagnosed late in their disease trajectory partly due to lack of screening opportunities
  • Have the same holistic, palliative and end-of-life care needs as everyone else
  • Are seldom referred to hospice and palliative care services

Causes of death in people with learning disabilities

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Aug 29, 2017 | Posted by in NURSING | Comments Off on Care for people with learning disabilities

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