Safeguarding adults with a learning disability in England and Wales: Money, markets, and ethically sustainable care. (December 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Parker, Jo; Galpin, Di
• Is Part Of: Journal of care services management. Volume 6:Number 4(2012)
• Page Start: 149
• Page End: 155
• Publication Date: 2012-12
• Subjects: Learning disability -- Mental health act -- Mental capacity -- DoLS -- Consumerism -- Sustainable ethical care -- Capabilities -- Human flourishing; Health services administration -- Periodicals; Long-term care of the sick -- Periodicals; Old age homes -- Great Britain -- Management -- Periodicals; Nursing homes -- Great Britain -- Administration -- Periodicals; Institutional care -- Management -- Periodicals; 362.61094105
• DOI: 10.1179/1750168713Y.0000000014
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1750-1679

Abstract

Abstract : There are growing numbers of adults with learning disabilities in the UK. The extent to which the rights of adults with learning disabilities are being respected raises fundamental issues of humanity, dignity, equality, respect, and autonomy: all key human rights principles. Despite marked improvements in the past 30 years in the lives of adults with learning disabilities, including the closure of long stay hospitals, there have been a number of recent failures in health care, including cases of abuse, neglect, and ill-treatment of adults with learning disabilities. These, and a number of recent high-profile criminal cases, appeared to confirm that adults with learning disabilities are particularly vulnerable to breaches of their human rights. The evidence suggests that some providers of services not fully committed to the implementation of the Government's policy in Valuing People and that limited conception of human need and human well-being are undermining attempts to implement the aims of that policy effectively. This paper recommends the introduction of a positive duty on providers to promote respect for human rights. Taking a positive and proactive approach to the creation of a culture of human rights will encourage a move away from negative attitudes and stereotypes which have 'dehumanised' adults with learning disabilities in the past by focusing on providing services that encourage human flourishing and a good life for all who are vulnerable and at risk of harm.