John is 67 years old and lives with his sister, Jenny, who works part-time as a teaching assistant. John has a mild learning disability, is overweight and retired 2 years ago from his job as a trolley collector for a supermarket. John takes medication for high blood pressure and now weighs 120 kg. He is finding it harder to walk and has difficulty sleeping; he wakes up several times a night. John has recently started complaining to Jenny that he is bored and fed up and no longer has any friends. Jenny is finding it a strain having John around all the time and they are both unhappy.
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1. What are the potential reasons why John is being affected negatively by old age?
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Correct answer:
- Physical health vulnerabilities - John is overweight which may contribute to his sleep issues, as well as to his high blood pressure and difficulty in walking.
- Psychological vulnerabilities deterioration - lack of activity/opportunity is not uncommon.
- Few people with learning disabilities experience retirement - little planning may have taken place, so John may not have had the opportunity to prepare in an appropriate manner.
- May not be aware of social support/activities outside the home for retired people.
- Has lost social networks/sense of purpose.
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2. What is the role of the learning disability nurse in such a scenario?
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Correct answer:
- Start transition planning a few years prior to retirement age.
- Ensure Health Action Plan is current and meeting the needs of the person with learning disability (LD).
- Identify relevant services that can support the person with LD and lessen isolation.
- Plan for future health and social care needs of John.
- Identify social support to lessen John’s reliance on his sister.
- Involve an advocacy service to help John express his wishes.
- Ensure John is in receipt of all the appropriate benefits to help him maintain his independence.
