by Diana Kerr (Author)
Understanding Learning Disability and Dementia covers all the essential issues in supporting a person with a learning disability when they develop dementia.
Like the population at large, people with learning disabilities are living longer, and therefore an increasing number are developing dementia. Service providers, planners, doctors, social workers, carers and direct support staff need to be equipped with relevant knowledge prior to the onset of dementia, so that they can devise appropriate therapeutic interventions and coping strategies, including health and medication management and palliative care.
This book will provide essential knowledge for anyone involved in the provision of services, assessment of need and direct care and support for dementia sufferers who also have a learning disability.
Format: Paperback
Pages: 198
Edition: 1
Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Published: 15 Sep 2007
ISBN 10: 1843104423
ISBN 13: 9781843104421
Book Overview: How all professionals providing services in dementia care can better support those with a learning disability
Diana Kerr's book defines learning disability and dementia and the relationship between the two, and examines the difficulties in reaching a diagnosis, especially in the early stages.
The book provides powerful information, illustrated by case studies, about the support needs of individual patients, and about the challenges that carers may face. The information is delivered in a practical but insightful manner. Chapters focus on communication, challenging behaviour, medication, pain and dealing with relatives, carers and the frequently overlooked group, a patient's peers. The book highlights models of care and how to support someone during the later, difficult stages of their condition.
Ms Kerr clearly has vast experience of working with people with a learning disability and those with dementia. This easy to understand book would make an excellent resource text for a community home staff team, NVQ student or a relative or carer of someone with this testing diagnosis.
-- Nursing Standard