Intellectual disability

[Michaelroyale]

My brother is now 59 and we believe he has intellectual disability but never diagnosed, we once paid private and was told he had low intelligence, the problem he is now becoming a problem to look after and will continue to do so.could any one give me advice how to get him properly diagnosed, he definitely has a very low IQ and l worry about the future for him.any help or advice would be really appreciated. Michael

[Jofisher]

Adult social services can help you also contact the carers association as they can support you and that’s really important. Start there but come back anytime and ask questions and we can hopefully help and support you as well. There’s a wealth of experience on here there’s also the Mencap Helpline.

[Michaelroyale in reply to Jofisher]

Thankyou sorry for late reply is there a phone number for the carers association I've been on Google and there are lots I'm not sure which to call...thankyou again much appreciated. Michael

[Jofisher in reply to Michaelroyale]

Where do you live and county

[Michaelroyale in reply to Jofisher]

He lives near retford Nottinghamshire..

[edited by moderators to remove personal details]

[Jofisher in reply to Michaelroyale]

Carers U.K. they can then direct you 020 7378 4999

[Michaelroyale in reply to Jofisher]

Thankyou so much I'll give them acall now.. Best regards

Michael

[Rocky71]

I have also got a learning disability I was diagnosed at the age of 41 in went to my gp then referred me to the learning disability services with 2 community nurses then another with phycologists and took 4 month for paperwork then I got referred to a organisati0n and 2 year on am still there social services will help to find him supported living and life his life the way he wants to

[Michaelroyale in reply to Rocky71]

Thankyou rocky sorry I'm so late replying, your advice is very helpful much appreciated. Best regards

Michael

[49Twister]

It's not easy I would say at this age. Did he go to special school, has he worked, how has he looked after himself till now. It all revolves around capacity these days, and if they assess him as having capacity It's really tough to get support. I would start with a visit to GP, if he is happy for someone to go along with him like yourself to explain your concerns. Due to data protection etc as he is an adult they require his consent for someone to discuss any personal issues, so if he agrees that's fine.The GP can refer you to a psychologist for assessment You could try ringing Adult Social Services at your Local Authority directly for referral, again he would need to be with you at the time you call so they can speak to him directly and confirm he's happy for you to discuss any issues. Depending on where you live will depend on how long you have to wait.Personally I would start with the GP get a psychology assessment as this with paperwork helps professionals to undersand his issues and go from there. Good luck and keep us informed.

[Michaelroyale in reply to 49Twister]

Yes thankyou I've booked an appointment with the doctor in a couple of weeks and also spoken to adult social services...we have always looked after him including a flat and then rented accommodation but unfortunately the landlord doubled the rent after he evicted him..so we escaped enough money together and brought him a mobile home,but it's out in the country and getting there every day is difficult, he really cannot look after himself ,washing cooking literally everything, its getting really difficult to look after him now we are all older..no body really cares apart from his family so I'm hoping a diagnosis and social services can help us...thankyou for your letter very much appreciated... Michael

Ps no he never went to a special School my father always thought he was just a naughty child...

[49Twister in reply to Michaelroyale]

Glad you've got the ball rolling and I could be of some help. My son is 50 this year, born in the 70's, and I'm 75, and yes things were completely different then and more so when your brother was born. My son attended special school till he was 20 and has severe learning disabilities. He has been in supported living for the last eight years, which is far from perfect I have to say.. He just had capacity tests done for finance and health and well-being in September 2022, proving he didn't have capacity for these, but the care company didn't believe me when I told them he didn't, so obviously this proves I was right.Once they become an adult and if they have capacity help is much harder to get. When you go to GP with your brother I would prepare a list of your concerns and everything he struggles with and can’t do on his own. Request an assessment by a psychologist. When Adult Social Services become involved they will probably do a care needs assessment for your brother and for you as his carer. Don't sugar-coat anything tell it how it really is. Adult Social Care is in dire straits almost everywhere in the UK so you need to be patient. Good luck and best wishes.

[Michaelroyale in reply to 49Twister]

that's really helpful I will definitely do a list and tell them exactly how hard he finds everything, thankyou so much for taking the time to write to me ,everyone's been amazing on this site I really appreciate all your help.. Michael

[Michaelroyale]

Thankyou everyone who sent advice over to me, I've taken all your different suggestions and contacted everyone, lots of bookings now and I'm feeling confident my brother will finally get extra help for him...thankyou all so much... Michael