Providing care and support

As each individual is unique with a different personality, life history and experience, care and support should build on an individual’s particular wants, needs, skills and abilities.

The experience of living with any of these conditions will be affected by the type of support someone receives.

Select the image to reveal the role of health and social care organisations in the care of individuals with metal health needs.

Health and social care organisations usually need to work together to provide for care and support needs. For example, there may need to be an occupational therapy assessment to find out how a person manages their day-to-day life and any adaptations to their home that might be needed, such as handrails in the bathroom.

Emotional support may need to be considered for both the person living with the condition and their family or carers. This might involve arranging a befriender or a counselling service.

Practical information or additional services about an individual’s condition, illness, financial and legal issues and opportunities to plan ahead should also be available. Forums, charities, helplines or support groups are all useful sources of support.

There is a lot of stigma linked to living with a mental health need, dementia or learning disability. This can create feelings of loneliness or being left out in society. However, through focusing on the abilities and skills someone has, living with the condition can be positive and people can be supported to live well.

It is important that you demonstrate a positive attitude towards all those living with mental health needs, dementia and learning disabilities. How can you do this?

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You may have included some of the following:

Helping to reduce the stigma by making sure individuals are not isolated in social situations
Promoting wellbeing for those living with the condition
Identifying and building on skills and abilities the individual has
Providing opportunities for individuals to feel empowered and in control

Adapting care and support

An early diagnosis benefits the individual and their family and friends. It can support them to put steps in place to maximise their quality of life.

The benefits of early diagnosis are:

Clear up uncertainty. It can be upsetting to live with symptoms like memory loss and changes in personality, particularly if you don’t understand why they are happening. As there are a number of conditions that have similar symptoms it is important that an accurate diagnosis is made. Although the diagnosis can be hard news to hear, it can clear up uncertainty and help someone to feel more in control
Help the individual and their family and friends to plan. Planning for the future provides the opportunity to consider, discuss and record wishes and decisions. This is known as advance care planning; the individual makes plans about what they wish to happen while they are most able to be involved and make decisions
Identify possible treatments and therapies. An individual may want to consider taking medication for example, to relieve the symptoms of dementia or depression. They may also benefit from therapies such as counselling or cognitive behaviour therapy
Provide the right information, resources and support. Through accessing information at an early stage someone can make best use of what is available, such as support groups. They can also identify financial support that they may be entitled to

If you think that someone is developing symptoms of a mental health problem or of dementia, or if you think that the support needs associated with their learning disability need reassessing, you should record this information and pass it on.

What needs to be considered when recording information?

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You should:

Follow your agreed ways of working on recording your observations to avoid information being lost or misinterpreted
Ensure the information is accurate. It should be clear, concise, and legible. It should be non-ambiguous and state facts not opinions or assumptions
Allow the person involved the opportunity to contribute
Apply the principles of the Data Protection Act and maintain confidentiality

If an individual is diagnosed as living with a mental health need, dementia or learning disability, they are likely to need changes to how care and support is provided over time. This will ensure that care and support continues to be person-centred.

What changes are commonly required?

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Workers may need to develop skills to support people who find it difficult to communicate verbally
Workers may have to learn how to use assistive technology like clocks and calendars, reminder messages or locator devices
Workers may need to know how to support individuals in the use of specialist technology/aids
Workers need to be aware of their agreed ways of working to make sure each individual is best protected from harm or abuse

ALL

Changes may mean that workers need to develop skills to support people who find it difficult to communicate verbally, for example by learning Makaton.

They may also need to learn how to use assistive technology like clocks and calendars, reminder messages or locator devices.

The individuals themselves also need support to learn how to use such technology.

Those living with mental health needs, dementia or a learning disability are more vulnerable to abuse. You should follow your agreed ways of working to make sure each individual is best protected from harm or abuse.

Training

If your organisation provides care and support for individuals with mental health conditions, dementia or learning disabilities, further specialist training should be provided.

This will help you to deepen your knowledge and develop your skills and abilities to meet the needs of your role. It may include opportunities to undertake specialist qualifications.

Speak to your manager for more information.

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