What is Learning Disability Week?
Learning Disability Week is an annual awareness campaign that aims to raise awareness and promote understanding of learning disabilities. Organised by Mencap, a leading charity for people with learning disabilities, Learning Disability Week brings together individuals, organisations, and communities to celebrate the achievements and contributions of people with learning disabilities.
The campaign aims to challenge stereotypes, reduce stigma, and advocate for the rights and well-being of people with learning disabilities. It provides a platform for individuals with learning disabilities to share their stories, talents, and achievements; while also raising awareness of the barriers they may face in society.
Learning Disability Week encourages all of us to come together, learn from each other, and work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive society for people with learning disabilities.
Cerys’ story
Cerys, one of our amazing Newcross clients, was diagnosed with Quadriplegia (dystonic) Cerebral Palsy and Mild Learning Difficulties. Cerys is creative, bubbly, and very headstrong and determined to achieve the best for herself and others. She has been supported by Newcross Healthcare for the last three years.
Our carers have supported Cerys across various aspects of her day-to-day life. Dedicated Newcross care staff help Cerys to attend QAC College in Harborne, from Monday to Friday. They assist Cerys when she travels to college in her Automatic Motability Car, with one staff member sitting in the back with Cerys to make sure she feels included.
Although Cerys can feed herself, there are times when she requires assistance from staff to support her when she is feeling tired and unable to prepare food or drinks herself. Staff aid Cerys with her assistive equipment, such as when she needs to transfer into her standing frame, which she requires as part of her physiotherapy treatment. Care members also assist Cerys with her personal care needs, showering washing and dressing, and medication administration.
Staff support Cerys with her passion in arts and crafts, including helping her to run her own business, ‘Cerys’ Creative Corner’. Whilst Cerys independently creates fantastic arts and crafts, staff are on hand by her side for any tricky areas such as peeling the small stickers from labels and Cerys likes their opinion on the placement of items on cards.
Cerys also volunteers at Soundabout an all-inclusive choir once a month at the Midlands Art Centre and also volunteers at Brownies on a Monday evening as part of her Queen’s Guide award.
Due to Cerys’ unpredictable seizures, she needs a care team that knows her on a personal level. Our dedicated care team ensure Cerys feels safe and secure by providing high-quality care that can meet her specific needs.
How Newcross supports those with learning disabilities
At Newcross Healthcare, we provide a range of services for people with learning disabilities. These services are designed to support individuals with learning disabilities in their daily lives and promote their overall well-being.
Our highly trained and experienced care staff assist with personal care tasks such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting. Carers assist individuals with learning disabilities in managing daily tasks such as meal preparation, housekeeping, and managing finances. They also ensure that individuals with learning disabilities receive their prescribed medications on time and in the correct dosage, providing support and reminders as needed.
Importantly, we know that care is about more than just medical and personal care: it is about companionship. Our carers offer companionship and emotional support, engaging individuals in meaningful activities and promoting social interaction.
Our care team also provides respite care services, giving family carers a break from their caregiving responsibilities and ensuring that their loved ones with learning disabilities are well-cared for in their absence. We support individuals with learning disabilities to live their life to the full, by helping them to participate in community activities, access community resources, and by promoting social inclusion.
If you would like to find out more about the services our care staff can provide, get in touch today and click here to read about our specialist services.
