Learning disabilities

Key facts

  • Around 1.5m people in the UK are living with a learning disability
  • 200 babies are born with a learning disability every week
  • 50% of people with severe learning disabilities have Epilepsy
  • 75% of local authorities face cost pressures in relation to learning disabilities

Suggested care package

Epilepsy sensor, enuresis sensor, Lifeline and pendant, property exit sensor, temperature extremes sensor

Solution

People with learning disabilities have a reduced ability to understand new or complex information, and to be able to cope independently. Tunstall’s telecare solutions can be tailor-made to meet the needs of the individual, using a range of sensors as part of a supportive care service, helping people with learning disabilities, their families and carers to live full and independent lives as part of their communities.

Case study

Jason was diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder at the age of 3. His mum used to encourage him to play in the garden but became very stressed when he once disappeared, returning 1 hour later. Jason was taking sedation medication which led to nocturnal enuresis, causing him great distress. He also started to get up in the night to cook breakfast and on one occasion went out looking for fresh milk at 6am. His single Mum was receiving psychiatric help and felt she was unable to cope.

Jason’s Mum had a range of telecare sensors installed in their home, including a bed occupancy sensor which sends her an alert if Jason gets out of bed and doesn’t return within a pre-set time, and an enuresis sensor, which sends an alert if an event occurs during the night.

Jason’s Mum is very grateful for the technology: “Telecare has changed our lives.The enuresis is now managed and is very rare. Jason is less aggressive, and easier to manage, I can now sleep well at night without worrying about accidents.”

TATE project  

Tunstall is taking part in a pioneering project aimed at supporting people with learning disabilities in their own homes.

View - Further information on the TATE project  
View - Learning disabilities - solutions for independent living guide