This page is designed to answer the following questions:
- 9.3a. Describe what adjustments might need to be made to the way care is provided if someone has 1. A mental health condition such as: Psychosis, Depression and Anxiety 2. Dementia 3. Learning Disabilities (Care Certificate, Standard 9: Awareness of mental health, dementia and learning disability)
- 9.3b. Describe how to report concerns associated with any unmet needs which may arise from mental health conditions, dementia or learning disability through agreed ways of working. (Care Certificate, Standard 9: Awareness of mental health, dementia and learning disability)
- 9.4b. Give examples of how and why adjustments to care and support might need to be made when a mental health condition, dementia or learning disability is identified. (Care Certificate, Standard 9: Awareness of mental health, dementia and learning disability)
NOTE: This page has been quality assured for 2023 as per our Quality Assurance policy.
Individuals with mental health conditions, dementia and learning disabilities may need adjustments made to their care provision. This can mean different health and social care organisations working in partnership to find solutions.
Example adaptations for individuals with learning disabilities
Individuals with learning disabilities may have an occupational therapy assessment provided in-house or by the local authority. This will identify their capabilities and what they may need help with to live as full and independent a life as possible. Simple adjustments like creating a pictorial activity planner or preparing individuals for particular situations using social stories can be very beneficial.
Example adaptations for individuals with dementia
An individual with dementia may need their carers to communicate with them by speaking clearly and slowly and giving them plenty of time to respond. They may need their finances to be managed by an independent appointee or have reminders set on their phone so that they do not forget to perform daily living tasks. They may wish to carry GPS trackers so that they can be located safely if they get lost.
Example adaptations for individuals with psychosis
An individual with psychosis may require a staff team that has had specialist training or experience in behaviour management (e.g. PROACT-SCIPr). Staff may need additional training to gain a better understanding of the condition.
Example adaptations for individuals with anxiety or depression
An individual with anxiety or depression may need access to support networks that can offer counselling services. This could be one-to-one or as part of a group provided by the staff team or an outside agency. It could be face-to-face or via phone, text or even social media. Working together to create and maintain regular routines that include going outside and getting exercise can be beneficial. Working with a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) specialist may help to manage the effects.
Reporting concerns about needs not being met
Your employer’s agreed ways of working (policies and procedures) will explain how you should report concerns if you feel that an individual’s needs are not being met. In most cases, this will involve informing your manager or supervisor of your concerns. It is also prudent to make a record of your concerns using whatever information systems are provided by your organisation. Records should be accurate, factual, legible and signed and dated.