Easy Read • Communication • Person-Centred Care • Nursing Training

Based partly on guidance from the National League for Nursing ACE.D disability inclusion resources and the ACE.D Framework, this module focuses on improving communication, reducing health inequalities, and supporting safe, respectful care.

🟡 SECTION 1: Understanding Learning Disabilities & Mental Health

🧠 What is a Learning Disability?

A learning disability affects:

Understanding information
Communication
Learning new skills

👉 It is usually lifelong.

💬 Mental Health Conditions

Some people with learning disabilities may also experience:

Anxiety Disorder
Depression
Bipolar Disorder
Schizophrenia

⚠️ Important

👉 Behaviour may be a sign of:

Pain
Fear
Confusion
Distress

Not “bad behaviour.”

🧑‍⚕️ SECTION 2: Person-Centred Care

🌟 What is Person-Centred Care?

Person-centred care means:

👉 The person comes first
👉 We listen to them
👉 We respect choices and rights

🧩 Key Principles

Dignity
Respect
Choice
Independence
Inclusion

❌ NOT Person-Centred

“We always do it this way.”

✅ Person-Centred

“What works best for you?”

🛡️ Key Message

👉 Every person is different.
👉 One care plan does not fit everyone.

📝 SECTION 3: Person-Centred Care Plans

📋 What is a Care Plan?

A care plan explains:

Needs
Support
Preferences
Risks

🧩 What Should Be Included?

🗣️ Communication

Easy Read
Pictures
Technology
Preferred communication style

❤️ Health Needs

Medication
Allergies
Conditions

Examples:

Epilepsy
Diabetes Mellitus

🧠 Mental Health

Anxiety triggers
Calming strategies
Emotional support

🏠 Daily Living

Routine
Food preferences
Personal care support

⚠️ Safety

Risks
Mobility needs
Emergency contacts

👥 Who Helps Create the Plan?

The person
Family/carers
Nurses
Other professionals

🔄 Reviews

Care plans must be updated when:

Needs change
Health changes
Risks increase

🗣️ SECTION 4: Communication Skills

💬 Good Communication Means

Listening carefully
Giving time
Using simple language
Checking understanding

🧩 Communication Methods

Easy Read
Symbols
Makaton
Body language
Technology

⚠️ Non-Verbal Communication

Some people may:

Smile when anxious
Become quiet when in pain
Avoid eye contact when overwhelmed

❗ Diagnostic Overshadowing

Do NOT assume symptoms are “just the disability.”

Example:

A person becoming withdrawn may actually be ill or depressed.

🛡️ SECTION 5: Patient Safety & Safeguarding

🧠 Patient Safety Means

Keeping people:

Safe
Healthy
Respected

⚠️ Risks

Poor communication
Missed symptoms
Delayed care
Lack of adjustments

🛡️ Safeguarding

Safeguarding means:

Protecting people from harm
Reporting concerns
Preventing abuse or neglect

🚨 Types of Abuse

Physical
Emotional
Financial
Sexual
Neglect

👩‍⚕️ SECTION 6: Role of Nurses & Carers

🧑‍⚕️ Learning Disability Nurses

They:

Support communication
Advocate for patients
Help with reasonable adjustments
Coordinate care

🧠 Mental Health Nurses

They:

Support emotional wellbeing
Assess mental health
Help during crises

👥 Carers

Carers may:

Notice changes first
Support daily needs
Help communication

🤝 Teamwork

Good care needs:

Nurses
Doctors
Carers
Therapists
Families

working together.

🖥️ POWERPOINT SLIDES (WITH SPEAKER NOTES)

🎓 Slide 1: Title

Caring for Patients with Learning Disabilities & Mental Illness

🗣️ Today we will learn about communication, safety, and person-centred care.

Slide 2: What is a Learning Disability?

🗣️ It affects learning and understanding.

Slide 3: Mental Health

🗣️ Mental health is important for everyone.

Slide 4: Person-Centred Care

🗣️ Ask what works best for the person.

Slide 5: Communication

🗣️ Use simple and accessible communication.

Slide 6: Care Plans

🗣️ Care plans should be individual.

Slide 7: Patient Safety

🗣️ Never ignore symptoms or distress.

Slide 8: Safeguarding

🗣️ Protect people from harm.

Slide 9: Teamwork

🗣️ Good care is collaborative.

Slide 10: Key Message

🗣️ Listen, respect, support.

📝 WORKSHEET / ACTIVITY SHEET

✏️ Activity 1: Communication Match

Need	Support
Difficulty reading	Easy Read
Anxiety	Calm reassurance
Non-verbal	Pictures/symbols

✏️ Activity 2: Scenario

A patient becomes quiet and refuses food.

👉 What could this mean?

Pain
Anxiety
Illness
Distress

✏️ Activity 3: Reflection

👉 Why is person-centred care important?

🎓 QUIZ

1. What is person-centred care?

Putting the person at the centre of care.

2. Name one communication method.

Example: Easy Read.

3. What is safeguarding?

Protecting people from harm.

4. True or False:

Behaviour can communicate distress.
✅ True

5. Who helps create care plans?

The person, carers, and professionals.

📄 EASY READ SUMMARY

🟡 Good Care Means:

✅ Listening
✅ Respect
✅ Clear communication
✅ Safety
✅ Teamwork

🧠 Important

👉 People with disabilities can still become physically ill.
👉 Never ignore symptoms.