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November 2008
New research highlights barriers to independent living for young people with learning difficulties (27/11/08)
New research released by Dimensions warns that the housing requirements of young people with learning disabilities are often overlooked or missed off care assessments altogether, despite the commitment to the personalisation agenda.
The study, called 'A Home of My Own', was carried out in association with ibk Initiatives. Young people between the ages of 18 and 30, along with their families and support staff, were interviewed about their experiences relating to the transition from the family home into their own accommodation.
Dimensions hopes its findings will provide practical help and advice for young people and their families on planning independent living, as well as recommendations for care providers and local authorities.
The research, unveiled today at the Learning Disability Today London 08 Exhibition, found the key to achieving successful independent living is to plan early. Thinking ahead to get housing considerations through the community care assessment gate is essential and families should push for this at the transition planning review in year nine, when students are 13 years-old.
The research findings also highlight that the same bodies that promote independent living for young people with learning disabilities are often the ones that make it impossible for this process to run smoothly. The work and benefits trap is just one example of this highlighted in the study. Young people may find they are worse off in employment than living on benefits, which caps their ability to engage in meaningful activity and often makes it more difficult for them to move out of home and live independently.
On the back of the study, Dimensions is calling for all those involved in the transition process to ensure housing considerations are central to care assessments. Schools should include person-centred planning as early as possible. The organisation says care providers and local authorities must make sure their employees have adequate training and the right information so housing needs, both current and for the future, are reviewed regularly and as early as possible. Families too, must engage in triggering the assessment process for their child as early as possible.
The research also noted a marked difference in those young people who were supported by younger support staff or peers. Dimensions is therefore also calling on providers to be creative and relationship focused, to work to encourage younger people to enter the caring profession, and to support families who are often struggling to cope.
Transitions Development Manager at Dimensions, Kate Jackson, says:
"It is important to understand the difference between a 'house' and a 'home' – a distinction that all the young people we interviewed made. Finding a 'home' takes into account our families, friends, and interests. Yet our research demonstrates that professionals often assume that a house without these considerations is sufficient for a young person with a learning disability.
"Getting a house is not the starting point in achieving independent living. Getting the right kind of support established first is the most important thing. Mistakenly, getting a house often becomes the final measure of success."
Find out more about A Home of My Own