Down’s syndrome: health and ageing

Course Aims

This course will provide staff supporting older adults with Down’s syndrome with up-to-date information on meeting their changing health and support needs. Delegates will develop the skills to understand the importance of recognising possible changes in an individual’s health and know how to address these or where to go for further, specialist information and advice.

After this course delegates will

• have a clear understanding of what Down’s syndrome is, cause and prevalence of the condition
• be clear on the learning profile and communication of adults with Down’s syndrome and how best to meet their support needs
• be able to recognise common changes in an older person with Down’s syndrome and relate this to their changing health needs
• gain information on how to refer an individual for proper investigation / diagnosis to an appropriate health professional
• be aware of the link between Down’s syndrome and dementia
• manage the physical and emotional well-being of an older person with Down’s syndrome
• understand the impact ageing on their family-carers and their friends
  (including friends who also have a learning disability)
• understand the impact of the physical environment upon the individual.

Designed for

This course is designed for health and social care professionals supporting older adults with Down’s syndrome in a variety of settings, but especially those working in a supported living environment. In addition, it would be relevant to social workers involved in assessing care needs and others working in a supportive role such as day service sta , support workers and personal assistants etc.