Fulfilling or forsaken ageing?
The ageing process in people with learning difficulties

by palurie | June 15, 2012 21:02

Why choose 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
• CQC 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

Length of course: 2 days 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: maximum of 16 staff members in participative group work.
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!

Requirements for participants:

1. To bring an object of sentimental value that they would take with them if they had to go to live in permanent residential care.
2. To bring a photo or story with them of a loved or respected older person.
3. To bring a contribution of food on Day 2 which has positive memories associated with it. (Once we had 10 lots of bread pudding as this was a speciality of grannies in the area, but it’s a risk we’ll work with!)
4. Wear casual clothing that they would feel comfortable painting in.
5. Come with energy and enthusiasm expecting to be stimulated.

Source URL: https://leapfrogtraining.co.uk/courses/learning-difficulties/fulfilling-or-forsaken-ageing-the-ageing-process-in-people-with-learning-difficulties/