PhD study title
Meeting the health needs of older people with learning disabilities: the role of nurses.

Researcher name
Robert Jenkins, University of South Wales

Supervisors
Dr Jim Richardson, Dr Rachel Davies, Dr Linda Ross

Date awarded
2011

Abstract
Older people with learning disabilities may experience the same physical deterioration as they age as do the general population. However, there is a suggestion that ageing in people with learning disabilities starts earlier, that they are at greater risk of developing physical and mental disorders and diseases, requiring the intervention and support of nurses. Educators and service planners will require information on the present and future needs of older people with learning disabilities in order to equip these professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills to address those needs.

This study sought to explore what older people with learning disabilities and their carers perceived as their health care needs. It also sought to explore what nurses perceived as their role in meeting such needs and the implications for nurse education, research and practice. A three-stage approach was used which comprised of a detailed literature review in stage one.

Publications
Jenkins R (2010) How older people with learning disabilities perceive ageing Nursing Older People 22 (6) 33-37

Jenkins R Davies R (2011) Safegurding people with learning disabilities Learning Disability Practice 14 (1) 32-39

Davies R, Collins M Netana C Folkes L, Jenkins R Tombs M Kaye A Stackhouse B Evans C (2011) Exploring the motivations of perpetrators who abuse vulnerable adults Newport: University of Wales

Jenkins R (2012) Meeting the health needs of older people with learning disabilities British Journal of Nursing 21 (8) 468-473

Jenkins R (2012) The role of nurses in meeting the health care needs of older people with intellectual disabilities: A review of the published literature Journal of Intellectual Disabilities 16 (2) 85 – 95

Jenkins R (2012) Using Advocacy to safeguard older people with learning disabilities Nursing Older People 24 (6) 31-36

Northway R Jenkins R (2013) Safeguarding adults in nursing practice. London: Sage/Learning matters

Northway R Jenkins R Jones V Howarth J Hodges Z (2013) Researching policy and practice to safeguard people with intellectual disabilities from abuse: Some methodological challeng Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities 10 (3) 188-195

Jenkins R (2015) Ensuring all nurses understand the needs of service users Learning Disability Practice 18 (2) 24-27