Support for people with a Learning Disability
People with a learning disability can be more likely to experience health problems. With the right support, regular health checks and appropriate adjustments to healthcare, many health problems can be identified early and managed effectively.
Everyone’s needs are different. You may need help understanding information, communicating with healthcare professionals or accessing appointments. Your GP practice can work with you to make healthcare easier and more accessible.
Annual Health Checks
Your Annual Health Check
If you are aged 14 or over and are on your GP practice’s learning disability register, you can have an Annual Health Check.
You do not need to be unwell to have an Annual Health Check. It is a chance to talk about your health, ask questions and identify any problems early.
During your health check, a healthcare professional may talk to you about:
- Your physical and mental health
- Any medicines you take
- Your lifestyle and general wellbeing
- Any health concerns you or your carer may have
- Health screening and vaccinations
- Any support you need to access healthcare
Your healthcare professional may also carry out health measurements or arrange further tests or appointments if needed.
Preparing for your Annual Health Check
Preparing for your health check can help you feel more comfortable and make sure you get the most from your appointment.
You can use our Health Check Activity Pack to help you prepare.
View the Health Check Activity Pack
Videos about Annual Health Checks
For people with a learning disability – Introduction to Annual Health Checks
For carers and families – Introduction to Annual Health Checks for carers and families
Health Action Plans – Health Action Plans for people with a learning disability
Making healthcare easier
Reasonable adjustments
A reasonable adjustment is a change that a health service can make to help you access care and understand information.
You can ask for reasonable adjustments if you need them. These might include:
- More time during an appointment
- Information in an easy-read format
- Having information explained in a different way
- Support with communication
- Changes to the way an appointment is arranged
- A quieter or more suitable environment
Your GP practice can discuss your needs with you and, where appropriate, record your reasonable adjustments so that staff know how best to support you.
Find out more
Watch our video about reasonable adjustments
Watch Kirsty’s story about reasonable adjustments
Mencap – About reasonable adjustments: easy read
NHS England – Reasonable Adjustment Digital Flag
Health Screening
Regular screening can help find some health problems early, when they may be easier to treat.
People with a learning disability should be offered the same appropriate screening programmes as everyone else, with reasonable adjustments and additional support where needed.
Cervical screening
Cervical screening helps prevent cervical cancer by checking for changes that could develop into cancer.
Resources:
- Cervical cancer screening video
- Accessing cervical screening with the right support
- Easy guide to cervical screening
- Smear tests – easy read information
Breast screening
Breast screening checks for signs of breast cancer and can help find changes early.
Resources:
Bowel screening
Bowel screening can help find bowel cancer or changes that could become cancer.
Resources:
- Bowel cancer screening video
- Bowel cancer screening – easy read guide
- Bowel screening instructional video for people with learning disabilities
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) screening
AAA screening checks for a swelling in the main blood vessel in the body. Screening is offered to eligible people and can help identify problems early.
Resources:
Vaccinations
Keeping vaccinations up to date is an important part of staying healthy.
Information and support is available to help people with a learning disability understand vaccination programmes.
Flu vaccination
Flu information for people with a learning disability
If you are unsure which vaccinations you should have, speak to your GP practice.
Support for carers and families
If you care for someone with a learning disability, you can also find information and support to help you understand their health needs and access appropriate services.
Need more help?
If you or someone you care for has a learning disability and you need help accessing healthcare, please speak to your GP practice.
You can ask your practice about:
- Annual Health Checks
- Joining the learning disability register
- Reasonable adjustments
- Health screening
- Vaccinations
- Other support available to you
Your healthcare team can help you understand your options and make sure you receive the support you need.
