3.3 Describe what knowledge and understanding would be required to work in a person-centred way with an individual with a learning disability and dementia

This guide will help you answer the NCFE CACHE Level 2 Award in Awareness of Dementia Unit 3.3 Describe what knowledge and understanding would be required to work in a person-centred way with an individual with a learning disability and dementia.

Working in a person-centred way with someone who has both a learning disability and dementia is important. To provide effective care, you need to have a deep understanding of various aspects related to both conditions. Below, we outline the necessary knowledge and understanding required to ensure your care approach is genuinely person-centred.

Awareness of Learning Disabilities

Definition and Common Types

A learning disability affects how a person learns new things in any area of life and how they understand information and communicate. Common types include:

• Down’s syndrome: Genetic condition causing learning disabilities and health problems.
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A developmental disorder affecting communication and behaviour.
• Fragile X Syndrome: Genetic condition causing intellectual disability.

Effects on Daily Life

Learning disabilities can actually affect day-to-day life. They can:

• Impact communication and understanding.
• Create barriers to independence.
• Affect emotional well-being and social skills.

Awareness of Dementia

Definition and Types

Dementia is a term for a range of progressive conditions affecting the brain. Types of dementia include:

• Alzheimer’s disease: The most common form of dementia, leading to memory loss and cognitive decline.
• Vascular dementia: Caused by reduced blood flow to the brain.
• Lewy body dementia: Characterised by abnormal protein deposits in the brain.

Symptoms and Progression

Dementia symptoms often include:

• Memory loss.
• Difficulty with problem-solving or language.
• Changes in mood or behaviour.
  These symptoms worsen over time, affecting the individual’s ability to perform everyday tasks.

Person-Centred Care Approach

Core Principles

Person-centred care focuses on the individual rather than the illness or disability. Core principles include:

• Individuality: Recognising that each person has unique needs and preferences.
• Respect and Dignity: Treating each person with respect and maintaining their dignity.
• Choice and Control: Providing choices and allowing individuals to make decisions about their care.
• Privacy: Respecting privacy in all aspects of care.
• Inclusivity: Involving the individual and their family in care planning.

Benefits

Person-centred care can improve the quality of life for individuals with learning disabilities and dementia by:

• Enhancing well-being.
• Reducing agitation and distress.
• Increasing engagement in meaningful activities.

Essential Knowledge and Understanding

Holistic Approach

To work effectively in a person-centred way, you need to adopt a holistic approach. This means looking beyond medical symptoms and considering:

• Physical health: Managing any physical health needs alongside dementia and learning disabilities.
• Mental health: Recognising the importance of mental well-being.
• Social needs: Supporting social interactions and community involvement.
• Emotional needs: Providing emotional support and understanding.

Communication Skills

Communication can be a significant challenge for individuals with learning disabilities and dementia. Effective communication skills are essential:

• Active listening: Really listen to the person and observe non-verbal cues.
• Simplified language: Use clear and simple language.
• Visual aids: Use pictures or objects to help convey messages.
• Patience and time: Allow extra time for responses and be patient.

Behavioural Understanding

Understanding changes in behaviour is essential:

• Triggers: Identify triggers that may cause distress or agitation.
• Personal Histories: Knowing the individual’s history, likes, and dislikes can help manage behaviour.
• Calming Techniques: Learn methods to calm and comfort the person.

Tailored Activities

Ensure activities are tailored to the person’s interests and abilities:

• Meaningful Engagement: Engage in activities that are meaningful and enjoyable.
• Adaptations: Adapt activities to the person’s current abilities, ensuring they can participate fully.

Working with Families and Carers

Collaborative Care

Collaboration with families and carers is really important:

• Shared Knowledge: Families often have valuable insights into the person’s preferences and history.
• Involvement in Decision Making: Involve families and carers in care planning and decisions.
• Support for Carers: Provide support and resources for family carers.

Training and Education

Ensure that all staff members are trained in person-centred care:

• Regular Training: Ongoing training on dementia, learning disabilities, and person-centred approaches.
• Specialised Training: Consider specialised training for specific conditions or needs.
• Reflective Practice: Encourage staff to reflect on their practice and learn from experiences.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Mental Capacity Act 2005

Understand the principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005:

• Capacity Assessments: How to assess if an individual can make specific decisions.
• Best Interests: Making decisions in the best interest of the person when they lack capacity.
• Least Restrictive Options: Ensuring any intervention is the least restrictive option.

Legislation and Policies

Be aware of relevant legislation and policies:

• Equality Act 2010: Protects individuals from discrimination.
• Health and Social Care Act 2012: Aims to improve health and social care services.
• Care Act 2014: Sets out local authorities’ duties in relation to assessing needs and providing care and support.

Final Thoughts

Working in a person-centred way with individuals who have a learning disability and dementia involves a comprehensive understanding of both conditions. It requires a holistic approach, excellent communication skills, and collaboration with families and carers. Ensuring all staff are trained and aware of legal and ethical considerations is essential for providing high-quality, person-centred care. By focusing on the individual’s unique needs and preferences, you can actually improve their quality of life.

Example answers for unit 3.3 Describe what knowledge and understanding would be required to work in a person-centred way with an individual with a learning disability and dementia

Example Answer 1

As a care worker, I know that it’s really important to understand both learning disabilities and dementia. For example, someone with Down’s syndrome may have specific ways they like to communicate, and this might change as their dementia progresses. Knowing this helps me tailor my approach. I should use clear, simple language and visual aids to help them understand what I’m saying. It’s also essential to listen carefully and be patient, giving them enough time to respond.

Example Answer 2

To work in a person-centred way, I need to see the whole person, not just their conditions. This includes their physical health, mental wellbeing, social life, and emotional needs. For instance, if Jim loves gardening but now has difficulty remembering how to do it, I can guide him gently while allowing him to enjoy the activity. This respects his dignity and keeps him engaged in something meaningful to him.

Example Answer 3

Effective communication is key. I use active listening and watch for non-verbal signs when there’s a communication barrier. For those with dementia and a learning disability, using pictures or objects to explain things can be very helpful. Little things like smiling, maintaining eye contact, and showing patience can make a big difference. It’s also essential to keep sentences short and to the point.

Example Answer 4

Understanding and managing behaviour changes is another really important part. People with these conditions can get easily agitated or distressed. I always try to identify triggers that might cause this distress and also learn about their personal histories. For example, if loud noises upset Mary, I make sure her environment is quiet and calm. Knowing what calms each resident is part of my job.

Example Answer 5

Collaborating with families and carers is essential. They have valuable insights into the preferences and histories of the individuals. I always involve them in care planning and decisions. For example, I consult with a family member when deciding on activities that would be most enjoyable and meaningful for the person. This makes the care more personalised and effective.

Example Answer 6

Training and legal understanding are essential. For instance, knowing the Mental Capacity Act 2005 helps me assess whether someone can make decisions about their care. If they can’t, I ensure any decision made is in their best interest and is the least restrictive option. Regular training in person-centred care techniques keeps my skills up to date, allowing me to provide the best care possible.

These examples showcase thoughtful answers from a care worker, demonstrating a clear understanding of the knowledge and understanding required to work in a person-centred way with individuals with learning disabilities and dementia.