Learning disability nurses have vital role in helping to rebuild lives

As we move out of the COVID-19 pandemic, support and care services and networks for people with learning disabilities and their families need strengthening

Nurses working with people with learning disabilities face new challenges as we move out of the COVID-19 pandemic and life begins to take on some semblance of normality.

The expectations of people with learning disabilities and their families have been significantly affected by the pandemic. Services and supports were modified and changed and, in some cases, withdrawn altogether, never to be replaced or re-established. In many cases families and carers took on the entire caring role, with networks of support reduced to online contact.

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Some people with learning disabilities and their families have had low expectations of what to expect and what they will receive from care services. Community care budgets are under pressure and demand is outstripping supply, with costs rising.

Nursing expertise and commitment will be crucial to take on challenges

The care and support of people with learning disabilities depends on healthcare professionals working with individuals and their families.

There are important roles to play in supporting people to reimagine what their lives can and might look like in the future. The knowledge, skills and expertise that you possess as learning disability nurses are critical in helping people navigate through the changing landscape of care services and provision.

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Drawing on your extensive commitment and expertise as a nurse will be crucial as the population of children, adults and older people with learning disabilities increases and ages, mainly with a range of complex physical, psychological and social care and support needs.

Addressing these challenges will require ongoing dedication and commitment from all learning disability nurses and professionals to ensure that access to care and support is in place and quality care provision is a reality.

Michael Brown is professor of nursing and director of graduate studies, Queen’s University Belfast, and is consultant editor, Learning Disability Practice