Why residential care is an ideal choice for elderly people with learning disabilities
For people living with learning disabilities, growing older can present unique challenges and concerns for both themselves and their families. Learning difficulties alongside age-related physical or mental conditions can pose a range of difficulties that threaten a person’s independence and quality of life, meaning that specialised care is often required.
Residential care offers comprehensive support in a number of areas that can make an enormous difference to a person’s quality of life. This is particularly the case in a centre designed for and geared towards supporting adults with complex mental health challenges or learning difficulties, such as Wessex Care’s Milford Manor Residential Home.
Here are just some of the ways residential care can give a senior person with learning difficulties a better quality of life.
1. Medication management
Managing medication may become more of a challenge as somebody with learning difficulties gets older, yet appropriate and timely administration of medication will be more crucial than ever.
Residential care means that an older person and family no longer have to worry about missed medication, because there will always be trained staff on hand to make sure it is taken correctly at the right time.
2. Specialised care
Some health professionals may find it hard to distinguish from the symptoms of conditions like dementia, and those related to learning disabilities or mental health challenges.
But in a specialised care home, you can expect that older people with learning disabilities will be understood, seen for who they are and given appropriate care.
This creates a uniquely supportive and empowering environment, giving residents space to flourish, be themselves and benefit from individualised care plans designed to promote independence.
3. A safe environment
Residential care offers a safe, structured environment, with facilities designed to accommodate the specific needs of residents, whether that’s safety concerns, mobility issues or accessibility needs.
Care staff will be available around the clock, providing great peace of mind for residents and family members alike, as they can offer a level of security that is likely to be unmatched in other types of living arrangement.
4. Additional therapies available
Those living in a residential care setting may have the chance to benefit from extra therapies and activities that may not have previously been available to them. These can improve cognitive function, social skills and both physical and mental wellbeing, which in turn leads to greater happiness, engagement and quality of life.
5. Opportunity to be social
Living in a communal care setting facilitates socialisation and community engagement, helping somebody with learning difficulties make meaningful connections with others and developing a sense of belonging and support. This in turn can help a person avoid feelings of isolation, loneliness and depression.
To learn more about residential care offered in and around Salisbury, contact Wessex Care.
