Caring for People with Learning Disabilities

CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY

KEY TERMS

The choice of terms used in this text is diverse. It is important to defi ne terms from the beginning; different terms may mean different things to different people. There are a variety of terms that can be used to describe people with learning disabilities. The use of any term has the ability to label the person to whom the term is being applied. Labelling may lead to prejudice and dis crimination, and can result in stigmatization. Stigma is powerful and can have negative consequences for an individual’s identity.

Often, the term ‘patient’ is used in healthcare settings. Not everyone supports its use, as it has passive connotations associated with it; it can also highlight the medical focus of the relationship between the person and the service. On occasions, ‘client’ is used; this has the ability to stress the professional nature of the relationship. More recently, the term ‘expert’ has been used, with the emphasis on a participative approach, acknowledging a per son’s capacity to work towards his/her own rehabilitation. Experts are seen to be equal partners with experts who provide care, such as a nurse or doctor. Not everyone is keen on the term ‘service user’ or ‘user’. The term ‘user’ may also have negative connotations associated with it. It may be used to single out those who use illicit substances.

‘Adults with a learning disability’ is a term that has been used in the title of this text and also in this introductory aspect too. This is a broad definition, often used by various health and social care agencies. It has the potential to recognize that many people can and do have a learning disability, but they may not necessarily have an illness or a disease.

Various terms are used in this text with the aim of promoting the care and support of individuals with learning disabilities. The terms we have used address a wide range of experiences that may affect members of our society. In order to avoid stigma, prejudice and stereotyping, listen to and respect the terminology that is being used by those who are living with a learning disability.

The word ‘carer’ has been used on many occasions. It is used to describe those who look after others, whether they be ill or healthy, or have a disability. ‘Carer’ has many interpretations and may refer to an employed healthcare provider or someone who provides care that is unpaid. It has been estimated that there are approximately 6 million unpaid carers in the United Kingdom (Carers UK 2005); this includes parents, grandparents and siblings who are looking after people with learning disabilities.

اخر الاخبار

اخبار العتبة العباسية المقدسة

مؤتمر السيد المجاهد يشهد عرض فيلم وثائقي عن سيرته العلمية ومشروع إحياء تراثه

بحث حوزوي يتناول التمييز بين المعجزة والسحر عند السيد المجاهد

بحث يناقش أثر القواعد العقلية في استنباط الأحكام الشرعية عند السيد محمد المجاهد

بحث علمي يناقش ردود السيد المجاهد على اللغويين والنحويين في كتابه (مفاتيح الأصول)

المزيد

الآخبار الصحية

هل توقيت نشاطك اليومي يؤثر على صحة دماغك؟.. العلماء يجيبون

"مشروب محبوب" يخفي فوائد لا يعرفها كثيرون

طبيب يكشف 5 أنواع للسعال.. بعضها خطير

نقص فيتامينات "خفي".. قد يفسّر التعب والتنميل وقلة التركيز

المزيد

الآخبار التكنلوجية

دراسة: تغيّرات في أسلوب القيادة قد تكشف مبكرا عن الخرف !

عمرها 773 ألف سنة.. اكتشاف أقدم أحافير بشرية في المغرب

"اختراق علمي".. اختبار دم في منزلك قد يكشف ألزهايمر

ماذا يحدث للجسم عند قطع الكافيين فجأة؟

المزيد

مواضيع ذات صلة

Parents with Learning Disabilities CONCLUSION

PROVISION OF SUPPORT

CARING FOR CHILDREN

EUGENICS AND ETHICAL ISSUES

PARENTING

DISCRIMINATION AND DIVERSITY

THE HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

Parents with Learning Disabilities

Legislation and Learning Disabilities CONCLUSION

LEGAL SAFEGUARDS

MENTAL CAPACITY ACT 2005

THE HUMAN RIGHTS ACT 1998