Care and support of people growing older with learning disabilities

Quotes

"I would like to state unequivocally that without the support, care and gentle encouragement of the weight management nurse and the rest of the team, I would have self-sabotaged the medication protocol. I live alone and have mental health problems, so the professional human interactions are reassuring that I am ok, and the side effects are manageable. Moving to 6 month follow ups after the initial 3 months is fine as I know I can make contact if I'm worried. Medicine without care is incomplete and harms the patient. Thank you."

Simon (person with complex PTSD and mental health problems. Total weight loss: 40 kg [17%] in 6 months).

"I would like to say thank you for helping my son lose weight. What a change from last year! Back then, he could barely manage the steps in the house and was refusing to walk. I had just seen a video of him running! He has to hold his trousers up but can still run! His "college" has mentioned a huge improvement in his engagement and has become more polite. His improved health, and improvement in attitude are the best gift this holiday! Thank you!"

Mother of a person with rare genetic disorder, severe learning disability, and behaviour problems. Total weight loss in 1 year: 24 kg (17%).

"We are working alongside a physiotherapist regarding exercise to build his lower leg muscles due to many years of dragging his swollen legs and stopping to use a rollator. He can now walk upright and has become less dependent on it, favouring the walking stick instead. He is now awake, alert and involved with activities during the day and hoping to go away on holiday. The weight loss has already had positive impact not just on his physical but mental wellbeing. He will be starting to swim again soon."

Support worker for a person with learning disability. Total weight loss: 44 kg (5% 2021/23 and further 18% 2023/24).

"The judgment I feel from other clinicians in a health care setting has previously prevented me from engaging. Fear of shame and the worry of being judged for my weight from a clinical point of view is a real barrier when needing to access care. Support whilst taking Wegovy helps keep me engaged. The reassurance and knowledge from clinical staff are invaluable when taking this drug and administering lifestyle changes."

Katie (person with complex PTSD and mental health challenges. Total weight loss: 17 kg [9%] in 4 months).

"I've been overweight since I was a child and always different to my siblings, but I didn't know why. I spent my childhood hungry and ashamed. The genetic testing has changed so many things for me mentally. I'm not angry at me anymore for not being able to control myself or for letting myself down again. I'm kinder to myself, I have bigger aspirations and I'm far more confident in myself. I've been supported by the weight management nurse. I have regular follow ups, and I don't feel like I'm being judged on my "results". Thank you, you've changed my life!"

Yasmine (results showed genetic cause for obesity. Total weight loss on the medication: 11 kg [10%] in 6 months).

Contact details

Irena Cruickshank

Weight Management Nurse Specialist

Email: Irena.Cruickshank@somersetft.nhs.uk, weightmanagementservice@somersetft.nhs.uk

ISBN: 978-1-4731-6946-3