Double Jeopardy?

Abstract

Increasing numbers of people with learning disabilities are living into older adulthood,creating important challenges for services. Greater local understanding of the specific health needs of this population is crucial to influence needs-led service planning. The study used a questionnaire survey to identify people aged over.. who have learning disabilities,covered by a community health trust in England. Specific types of health problems for this older population were identified,along with the sources and types of community supports received and care staff satisfaction with these supports. The most frequently occurring health problems related to psychological/behavioural,incontinence/excretory and circulatory/respiratory needs. Overall general practitioners,followed by community/district nurses,provided the majority of healthcare support. Generally care staff appeared satisfied with the access and quality of health support. There were alarming findings in relation to some areas of health screening. Cervical,breast and testicular examinations were rare. The implications of the study are discussed.