People with intellectual disability are at increased likelihood of experiencing mental illness but are less likely to receive treatment than people without intellectual disability. This can affect carer health and wellbeing.
The Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry (3DN) wants to support carers to be able to recognise changes to the person’s wellbeing, detect possible symptoms of mental illness and understand how to access appropriate services. To this end 3DN has developed resources for carers that aim to improve outcomes both for people with intellectual disability, and for carers themselves. These resources help carers support a person with intellectual disability with their mental health. They aim to equip carers in recognising and responding to the mental health needs of people with intellectual disability. Resources developed specifically for carers include
- e-Learning modules
- Wellbeing record for a person with intellectual disability
Easy read information sheets on mental health services in NSW
These easy read information sheets provide information on finding, accessing, and using mental health services in NSW.
They are for people with intellectual disability and those who prefer simple written information.
There are information sheets on topics including
- Getting help with your mental health
- The Mental Health Act
- Rights and rules about mental health treatment
- Making a complain about mental health care
Resource page for consumers and carers: https://www.3dn.unsw.edu.au/consumers_information
Resource page for health professionals: https://www.3dn.unsw.edu.au/professionals_information
Positive Cardiometabolic Health For People With Intellectual Disability
The postcards below can be printed and taken to your doctor. The front side of the postcards contain information for people with an intellectual disability or carers. The back side of each postcard provides information for the doctor about the above resources.
Postcard for people with an intellectual disability
Postcard for carers
Please click the links below to access a range of free-to-download resources for clinicians, formal and informal carers and people with an intellectual disability.
- Standard Cardiometabolic Targets
- Going To The Doctor
- Consent
- Psychotropic Medication
- Blood Pressure
- Having A Blood Test
- Diabetes
- Healthy Lifestyle
- Overcoming Social And Economic Disadvantage
- Managing Challenging Behaviour
- Planning For Adaptations To Clinical Practice
If you would like to learn more about the study, please click here.
Dementia information for carers and family members
People with intellectual disability may be at higher risk of developing dementia as they age. But getting an earlier diagnosis can lead to better care planning, and earlier access to dementia services.
This booklet is intended for families and carers of people with intellectual disability living in Australia.