Fulfilling or Forsaken Ageing? The Ageing Process in People with Learning Difficulties

Why chose this training?

• people with a learning difficulty are living longer, healthier lives than before
• staff working in learning difficulties often have little experience of working with older people
• CSCI are increasingly expecting staff to have had training in this area and recommend it on inspection
• it is linked to person centred planning and enables an integrated approach
• positive results ~ after the last training for a national learning difficulties charity 2 people with learning difficulties were taken to their GP for
• a diagnostic review and a further 2 had their care plan significantly altered

Time: 9.30 ~ 4.30

Expected outcomes: by the end of the course staff will be able to

• understand common assumptions around ageing
• challenge ageism in their own and their colleagues' practice
• assess the 'preferred sense' used by individuals to expand communication
• feel confident in using a range of communication techniques and media
• assess and empathise with the losses in an individual's experience
• recognise the stages in the grieving process and how their own responses may help or hinder this
• experiment with reminiscence and sensory stimulation work in order to provide enriching experiences as well as re-enlivening positive memories
• differentiate between early signs of dementia/acute confusional states/ depression
• remain optimistic and confident that they can still provide person centred care whatever that person's age or abilities

Nature of training:

• Exercises will range from lecture style input (small) to discussion and small group work and to individual sharing within pairs.
• Hand outs will be provided to reinforce all theoretical input.
• Most exercises will be done in such a way that they can be replicated for use with users or customers of the service.
• Collage, art and drama will contribute to the sessions. This will be easily accessible!