National Care Standards: Care homes for people with learning disabilities

People with learning disabilities have the same rights and responsibilities as other people. National standards are needed to make sure that people with learning disabilities keep these rights and responsibilities when they are staying in a care home.People with learning disabilities are a very mixed group with different experience and different support needs. Some people only need limited support to lead an independent life. Others need a very high level of support. Many people have other difficulties, including mental health problems and behaviour that challenges services. They may have complicated medical needs that are linked to physical, sight and hearing difficulties.The Scottish Executive’s review The same as you? emphasised that people with learning disabilities should be treated and respected as individuals with the right to decide what kind of life they want to lead. The review emphasised the importance of making sure that everyone who wants to can take an active part in their community and have full access to general services with specialist support provided when it is needed.