This is a plain English summary of an original research article. The views expressed are those of the author(s) and reviewer(s) at the time of publication.
Easy-read report.
 | The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) is an organisation that funds others to do Health and Care research. |
 | There are many older people with learning disabilities, and some do not get enough help to live good lives. |
 | Their families worry about what will happen in the future. This study looked at how to make things better for them. |
The research | |
| One of the researchers was Professor Sara Ryan from Manchester. She and her team wanted to know what would help older people with learning disabilities to live good lives. | |
 | The team talked to lots of people with learning disabilities, their families and some support workers who work at people’s homes and day centres. |
What did they find out? | |
 | People with learning disabilities said that they want to live in a safe and comfortable home, with good public transport and green spaces nearby. |
 | They want to live on their own, or choose who they live with. |
 | They like to stay in touch with their family, and feel that they belong in the community. |
 | They like to do lots of fun activities and be free to work, own a pet or do gardening, for example. |
 | They like to have support workers who understand them well and make them comfortable, especially if they don’t use words to communicate. |
What needs to get better? | |
 | The researchers said that some things need to get better. Some older people don't get to choose where they live or who they live with. |
 | Some do not choose what they do every day. Some spent all day watching TV. |
 | People with learning disabilities like to have the same support worker for years. But sometimes there aren’t enough support workers. |
 | The researchers say there needs to be a plan for when people get very old or sick. Support workers need to learn more about supporting older people with learning disabilities, helping them to stay active, and eat well. |
What did the researchers do? | |
 | The researchers made special cards on topics like ‘Things I might need help with’ and ‘Mum and Dad getting ill or dying’. The cards include questions to help people with learning disabilities talk about what they want in the future. |
 | The researchers say that everyone should be able to make choices and have a happy life as they get older. They want everyone to work together to make things better. |
Where can you find out more? | |
| Click here for more details. | |
| Click here if you would like to read the full report by Sara and her team. | |
Click here to see a film about Geoff, who took part in this study. | |
Click here to find out more about taking part in a study about people with learning disabilities. | |
Disclaimer: Summaries on NIHR Evidence are not a substitute for professional medical advice. They provide information about research which is funded or supported by the NIHR. Please note that the views expressed are those of the author(s) and reviewer(s) at the time of publication. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the NHS, the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care.
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