The development and evaluation of an integrated intensive support service

Purpose This paper aims to describe the development and evaluation of integrated intensive support service (ISS) for adults with learning disabilities who have complex needs and are at risk of admission to an inpatient unit. Design/methodology/approach Existing services were remodelled. The service explored external service models and established an integrated ISS comprising intensive community support and intensive support beds. Findings Data indicates that the majority of people referred to the service avoid both admission to an inpatient unit and placement breakdown. Most people admitted to the inpatient unit are not known to community services. Length of stay has significantly reduced. Practical implications Other services can use the information to remodel how to provide intensive support and avoid admission to an inpatient unit. Originality/value It demonstrates how remodelling can drive improvements to reduce placement breakdown and risk of admission.

COVID-19 and people with intellectual disability: impacts of a pandemic

The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic affect all groups in society. People with intellectual disability (ID) are especially vulnerable to the physical, mental and social effects of the pandemic. Cognitive impairments can limit understanding of information to protect them relying on carers to be vigilant on their behalf during quarantine. Restrictions on usual activities are likely to induce mental stress especially among those who are autistic leading to an escalation in challenging behaviours, risk of placement breakdown and increased the use of psychotropic medication. People with ID are vulnerable to exploitation by others where the usual community supports no longer function to protect them. In future pandemics, it is important that lessons are learned from the impacts COVID-19 have on people with ID. Collecting the evidence through a rigorous approach should help to empower people with ID and their carers to face future outbreaks of infectious diseases.