Finding the right support and accommodation for an individual with a learning disability and complex needs can sometimes be a challenge, but what if that individual also has dementia?

A person with a learning disability is more than three times as likely as the general population to develop dementia, to develop it at an earlier age and to experience more rapid progression of the condition. They will also face different and additional challenges including the development of other physical health impairments and the worsening of any existing challenging behaviour.

Supporting these individuals requires specialist skills, knowledge and training in support techniques specific to both learning disabilities and dementia as well as a person-centred approach that focuses on the unique needs of the individual.

At the forefront of best practice in this area is The Hollies, a specialist setting for individuals with a learning disability and early onset dementia/cognitive decline, which forms part of Ty Hendy an innovative learning disability service based in Carmarthenshire, Wales.

Lorraine Jackson, Manager at Ty Hendy said, “As the life

expectancy for individuals with a learning disability has increased we are seeing more and more individuals developing dementia and needing specialist support for both conditions. We are also seeing more cases of early onset dementia which is more prevalent among individuals with a learning disability.

“It’s really important that as an industry we educate ourselves and develop skills in supporting these individuals. Having specialist services like The Hollies that have knowledge and expertise in both conditions and can specifically tailor support to meet each individual’s unique needs is becoming more critical.”

The service uses a number of strategies and approaches to successfully support individuals. These include;

Living in My World – Specialist Dementia Training

Each member of the support team completes a ‘Living in My World’ dementia training programme. Accredited by City & Guilds, the programme aims to increase understanding of what it is like to live with dementia, boost confidence and ensure the care provided puts the individual at the heart of everything.

The Hollies is a specialist

residential setting within

learning disability service

Ty Hendy, for individuals

with a learning disability

and dementiaSharing best practice on supporting

individuals with a learning disability

and dementia

The Hollies

Over 90 services acrossEngland, Scotland and Wales.

www.consensussupport.com

0808 223 5320enquiries@consensussupport.com

“It’s really important for us to be able to ‘put ourselves in their shoes’ and understand life from their perspective - why certain situations can make them feel scared or anxious or may make them frustrated or angry. It also helps the support team to think about how they approach tasks and to always communicate with and reassure the individual of what they are doing before they do it,” said Lorraine.

Positive Behaviour Support Training

Each member of the support team is trained in Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) and work closely with a dedicated PBS team who produce person-centred support plans and strategies to reduce behaviours and improve the person’s quality of life.

“Having a good understanding of how dementia may be affecting a person’s behaviour and their sense of reality as well as how they may be feeling and what their triggers are enables us to adapt the environment and our approach which in turn enables us to de-escalate situations quickly or prevent a behaviour before it occurs,” said Lorraine.

Total Communication Techniques

The support team are all trained in and use a range of Total Communication techniques including British Sign Language, Makaton and Visual and Pictorial cues.

“Both a learning disability and dementia can affect a person’s ability to communicate verbally and some individuals we support have additional physical impairments such as being deaf

or blind so it is important for us to support them to develop alternative ways of expressing themselves and to ensure we as a support team are confident to converse with them using their preferred communication method,” said Lorraine.

Memory Boxes

The support team support each individual to make their own memory box consisting of different personal items that are meaningful for them. This helps to stimulate their memory of past events and experiences and can also be used to help them express their emotions and improve their mood and general wellbeing.

“ The memory boxes are a fantastic way for individuals to rekindle happy memories from the past and can be a very useful in helping to reduce anxiety and behaviours”.

“It also provides us with greater insight into the individual’s world and enables us to join them and be a part of their world,” said Lorraine.

For more information about ‘The Hollies’ at Ty Hendy, please visit: www.consensussupport.com/ ty-hendy

Over 90 services acrossEngland, Scotland and Wales.

www.consensussupport.com

0808 223 5320enquiries@consensussupport.com