Older carers of people with learning disabilities: their experiences with local authority assessment processes and personnel
Tizard Learning Disability Review
ISSN: 1359-5474
Article publication date: 1 June 2021
Issue publication date: 6 July 2021
Abstract
Purpose
Amongst other actions the Care Act 2014 emphasised the duties of local authorities (LA) to assess the needs of carers, as well as those they care for and to meet all eligible needs for support. This paper aims to report the findings of a study which explored the experiences of older carers of people with learning disabilities as they navigated LA assessment processes and personnel.
Design/methodology/approach
Using an explorative design, 21 older carers were interviewed about their experiences. Interview transcripts were qualitatively analysed.
Findings
Three main themes were identified, namely, needs assessments as ambitions, not outcomes; the effects of funding-cuts projected onto carers; and challenges with social care personnel.
Originality/value
The study findings attracted a high level of engagement with public awareness and mainstream news and social media. The LA also immediately responded with interventions to address some of the findings, including carer “drop-in” sessions. They are also adapting their carer’s needs assessment processes as a result of the study. It is hoped that the issues raised will be of interest to other social care providers and practitioners.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The author would like to thank Awards for All for funding the research and Liz Rolfs for all her help and support. Most of all, the author thanks the 21 carers who are so giving, have achieved so much, yet remain humble and good humoured. The author confirms that the views expressed in this paper are those of the author’s and not necessarily the funders or commissioners of the research.Funder: Awards for All – Grant number 18–03244.
Citation
Forrester-Jones, R. (2021), "Older carers of people with learning disabilities: their experiences with local authority assessment processes and personnel", Tizard Learning Disability Review, Vol. 26 No. 2, pp. 105-113. https://doi.org/10.1108/TLDR-10-2020-0029
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited