Milton Keynes Community Support Library

Volume 8  

Part 1

Disability Support

This volume focuses on disability, autism, ADHD, carers and older people. Part 1 introduces disability support, assessments, advocacy, independent living and community inclusion.

Key Topics

• Understanding disability
• Care Act assessments
• Accessible housing
• Equipment and adaptations
• Advocacy
• Accessible transport
• Employment support
• Community inclusion

Part 2

Autism Support

This section provides an overview of autism support for children, young people and adults.

Understanding Autism

Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference. Every autistic person is unique.

Assessment and Diagnosis

Referral pathways vary by age and local services.

Education Support

Reasonable adjustments and SEND support should be considered.

Support for Adults

Support may include employment, housing and independent living.

Families and Carers

Peer support and information can help families navigate services.

Good Practice

• Use clear communication
• Allow processing time
• Respect sensory needs
• Work collaboratively
• Promote strengths

Part 3

ADHD Support

This section provides an overview of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), including assessment pathways, practical support strategies and signposting for children, young people and adults.

Understanding ADHD

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that can affect attention, impulsivity and activity levels. Experiences vary from person to person.

Assessment and Diagnosis

Assessment is normally carried out through appropriate healthcare services following referral. Waiting times and local pathways may vary.

Support in Education

Schools and colleges can provide reasonable adjustments, classroom strategies and SEND support where appropriate.

Support for Adults

Adults with ADHD may benefit from workplace adjustments, coaching, psychological support and practical strategies for organisation and daily living.

Practical Strategies

Clear routines, visual reminders, structured environments, regular breaks and positive reinforcement can help many people with ADHD.

Good Practice Checklist

• Give clear and concise instructions.
• Break tasks into smaller steps.
• Use visual prompts where helpful.
• Encourage regular movement breaks.
• Focus on strengths as well as challenges.
• Work collaboratively with families and professionals.

Part 4

Learning Disabilities

This section provides an overview of learning disabilities, available support, transition planning, health inequalities and promoting independence.

Understanding Learning Disabilities

A learning disability affects the way a person understands information and learns new skills. Support should always be tailored to the individual's strengths and needs.

Health and Wellbeing

People with learning disabilities should have equal access to healthcare, annual health checks where eligible, and reasonable adjustments during appointments.

Education and Transition

Transition planning should begin early to help young people move into adulthood, further education, employment or supported living where appropriate.

Independent Living

Support may include daily living skills, travel training, supported employment, assistive technology and community participation.

Families and Carers

Families and carers may need practical advice, respite opportunities, emotional support and access to local support groups.

Good Practice Checklist

• Use easy-to-understand language.
• Allow extra time for communication.
• Provide information in accessible formats where needed.
• Promote choice and independence.
• Work in partnership with the person, family and professionals.

Part 5

Physical Disabilities, Sensory Impairments & Accessibility

This section provides an overview of physical disabilities, visual and hearing impairments, accessible environments, equipment and support to promote independence and inclusion.

Physical Disabilities

People with physical disabilities may require mobility support, rehabilitation, equipment, housing adaptations and accessible transport.

Visual Impairment

Support may include orientation and mobility training, assistive technology, large-print or audio information and specialist advice.

Hearing Impairment

Support may include hearing assessments, hearing aids, communication support, British Sign Language interpreters and assistive listening devices.

Equipment and Adaptations

Occupational therapists can assess the need for equipment, home adaptations and technology to improve safety and independence.

Accessibility and Inclusion

Organisations should make reasonable adjustments to ensure disabled people can access services, information, education, employment and community activities.

Good Practice Checklist

• Ask the person how they prefer to communicate.
• Provide information in accessible formats.
• Consider mobility, sensory and communication needs.
• Promote independence and choice.
• Review support regularly as needs change.

Part 6

Adult Social Care, Care Act Assessments & Safeguarding

This section provides an overview of adult social care services, Care Act assessments, support planning, safeguarding responsibilities and community-based support.

Adult Social Care

Adult social care supports eligible adults who need help because of illness, disability, age or other circumstances. Support should promote independence and wellbeing.

Care Act Assessments

Adults who appear to have care and support needs are entitled to an assessment regardless of financial circumstances. Assessments identify eligible needs and appropriate support.

Support Planning

Care and support plans should be person-centred, focusing on individual goals, strengths, preferences and outcomes.

Personal Budgets and Direct Payments

Eligible individuals may receive a personal budget or direct payment to arrange suitable support that meets agreed outcomes.

Adult Safeguarding

Everyone has a responsibility to report concerns about abuse or neglect. Adults should be supported to make informed choices wherever possible while protecting those at risk.

Good Practice Checklist

• Promote independence and choice.
• Use person-centred conversations.
• Identify strengths as well as needs.
• Record decisions clearly.
• Review care plans regularly.
• Know local safeguarding procedures.

Part 7

Unpaid Carers, Carers' Rights & Wellbeing

This section provides guidance for unpaid carers, including family members, friends and neighbours who regularly provide care or support. It covers carers' rights, assessments, respite, wellbeing and planning for the future.

Who is an Unpaid Carer?

An unpaid carer provides ongoing care or support to someone due to illness, disability, mental ill health, addiction or age, without being employed to do so.

Carers' Assessments

Under the Care Act, carers may be entitled to an assessment of their own needs. This considers how caring affects their health, wellbeing, work, education and daily life.

Respite and Short Breaks

Taking regular breaks from caring is important. Local services and voluntary organisations may offer respite opportunities, sitting services or support groups.

Health and Wellbeing

Carers should look after their own physical and mental health by attending health appointments, seeking emotional support and maintaining social connections where possible.

Planning Ahead

Emergency plans, contingency arrangements and lasting powers of attorney can help prepare for unexpected situations and reduce future stress.

Good Practice Checklist

• Identify carers early.
• Offer information about carers' assessments.
• Encourage carers to seek support for their own wellbeing.
• Discuss emergency contingency planning.
• Signpost to local carers' organisations and peer support groups.

Part 8

Older People, Healthy Ageing & Community Support

This section focuses on supporting older people to remain healthy, independent and connected to their communities. It highlights common issues associated with ageing and practical support options.

Healthy Ageing

Healthy ageing includes staying physically active, eating well, attending health checks, keeping socially connected and maintaining independence wherever possible.

Falls Prevention

Many falls can be prevented through strength and balance exercises, home safety assessments, medication reviews and appropriate footwear.

Social Isolation and Loneliness

Older people may experience loneliness due to bereavement, retirement, illness or reduced mobility. Community groups, befriending services and local activities can help reduce isolation.

Community Support

Community organisations may provide transport, shopping assistance, lunch clubs, exercise groups, information services and practical help.

Planning for the Future

Advance care planning, wills, lasting powers of attorney and discussing future wishes can help people and families prepare for later life.

Good Practice Checklist

• Promote independence wherever possible.
• Encourage social participation.
• Assess falls risks regularly.
• Support access to community activities.
• Review care and support needs over time.

Part 9

Dementia Awareness, Diagnosis & Support

This section provides an overview of dementia, recognising early signs, accessing assessment, support after diagnosis and helping people live well with dementia.

Understanding Dementia

Dementia is a group of conditions that affect memory, thinking, communication and everyday functioning. Symptoms usually develop gradually and vary between individuals.

Recognising Early Signs

Possible signs include memory loss affecting daily life, confusion, difficulty finding words, changes in judgement, mood or behaviour, and difficulty completing familiar tasks.

Assessment and Diagnosis

If dementia is suspected, encourage the person to speak with their GP. Further assessment may be arranged through memory assessment services or specialist clinicians.

Living Well with Dementia

Many people continue to live fulfilling lives following diagnosis with the right support, routines, meaningful activities and community involvement.

Supporting Families and Carers

Family members and carers often need information, emotional support, respite opportunities and practical advice to help them in their caring role.

Good Practice Checklist

• Encourage early assessment.
• Use clear and reassuring communication.
• Promote independence wherever possible.
• Support carers as well as the person with dementia.
• Review care and support needs regularly.

Part 10

Independent Living, Housing & Assistive Technology

This section explores practical ways to support disabled people and older adults to live as independently as possible through housing, technology, equipment and community support.

Independent Living

Independent living means having choice and control over daily life, with the right level of support to meet individual needs and goals.

Accessible Housing

Accessible or adapted housing can improve safety and independence. Housing adaptations may include ramps, level-access showers, stairlifts and grab rails.

Assistive Technology

Technology such as personal alarms, medication reminders, GPS devices, video calling and smart home equipment can help people remain safe and independent.

Mobility and Transport

Mobility support may include Blue Badges, community transport, wheelchair services and travel training where appropriate.

Community Inclusion

Access to social groups, volunteering, education, leisure activities and local services can improve wellbeing and reduce isolation.

Independent Living Checklist

• Review housing needs regularly.
• Consider assistive technology options.
• Promote accessible transport.
• Encourage community participation.
• Review risks while supporting independence.

Part 11

Benefits, Equipment, Adaptations & Financial Support

This section outlines financial support, disability-related benefits, equipment, housing adaptations and practical assistance that may help disabled people, carers and older adults maintain independence.

Benefits and Financial Support

People may be entitled to disability-related benefits, pension support, carers' benefits or means-tested assistance depending on their circumstances.

Disabled Facilities Grants

Grants may be available to help fund essential home adaptations that improve accessibility and safety.

Equipment and Daily Living Aids

Occupational therapy assessments may recommend equipment such as grab rails, bath aids, specialist seating, hoists or personal alarms.

Blue Badge and Accessible Parking

Eligible people may be able to apply for a Blue Badge to support access to parking and community facilities.

Budgeting and Money Advice

Independent advice services can help maximise income, manage debt and identify grants or charitable funding.

Practical Checklist

• Request a benefits check.
• Ask about equipment assessments.
• Explore home adaptation options.
• Keep copies of important benefit decisions.
• Review support as needs change.

Part 12

Professional Toolkit, Assessments & Good Practice

This section provides practical tools for professionals, volunteers and organisations supporting disabled people, carers and older adults.

Person-Centred Practice

Support should focus on the person's goals, strengths, wishes and outcomes.

Assessment Preparation

Gather relevant information, identify risks, consider strengths and involve the person throughout.

Referral Pathways

Refer to appropriate health, social care and voluntary sector services based on assessed needs.

Record Keeping

Maintain factual, accurate and timely records while respecting confidentiality.

Multi-Agency Working

Good communication between agencies improves outcomes and reduces duplication.

Professional Checklist

• Obtain consent where appropriate
• Identify safeguarding concerns
• Record actions clearly
• Review outcomes
• Signpost to community resources