Policy, Services and Staff Training for Older People with Intellectual Disability in the UK1

Abstract

This paper considers the extent to which awareness of the growing number of older people with intellectual disability in the UK has translated into action. It does so by looking at current policy, training and services for older people with intellectual disability. Information was collected from two sources: an analysis of the 1993/1994 Community Care Plans and a national survey on policy, training and services for older people with intellectual disability. The analysis of Community Care Plans revealed that 67% made no reference to older people with intellectual disability. The remaining 33% mentioned such people mainly in the context of the need for service development. 82% of the 236 replies to the national survey indicated that there was no policy in relation to older people with intellectual disability and 74% indicated an absence of specific staff training. 53% of respondents were aware of services in their area specifically for older people with intellectual disability and 76% were aware of generic services for the elderly in their area that were used by older people with intellectual disability. Finally, the results of a consultation exercise regarding the development of a training pack in ageing and intellectual disability are presented. The results highlight a lack of consensus about how services should be provided and, in many cases, a lack of provision.