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Learning Disabilities
Practice support for learning disabilities
We offer annual health checks to people with a learning disability:
- People with learning disabilities are at higher risk of poor physical or mental health.
- Annual health checks help spot health problems early.
- They also help you make a plan to stay healthy now and in the future.
Easy Read information on annual health checks
What to expect from your annual health check
Annual health checks are for people with a learning disability who are over 14 years old.
They are done by a nurse once a year. They usually last around 45 minutes.
You can ask your doctor or nurse about anything that is hurting or worrying you.
You do not need to be ill to get a health check. You can still have a check if nothing feels wrong. Health checks can help you stay healthy.
It is a good way to get to know your GP practice better, and for them to find out more about you.
What happens in the health check?
Your health check usually lasts about 45 minutes.
During your health check, you will:
- Get to know your nurse
- Have time to ask questions about your health
- Be asked questions about how you are feeling
You will be offered some simple checks, such as:
- Blood pressure
- Height
- Weight
- Chest
- Ears
- Mouth
You can say yes or no to any checks. That is okay.
After your health check, we may:
- Make a simple health plan with you
- Arrange other appointments, if needed
- Write things down so you can take them home
You can ask for a break at any time during your appointment.
Watch a video with about what happens during an health check
What happens when I arrive for my health check?
When you arrive at the practice, check in at the information desk. You can also use the check in screens to skip the queue.
Please sit and wait in the waiting area you are told to go to.
You will be called in when it is time for your health check.
You may need to wait a while to be called in.
How can I help make my health check a good experience?
You can do a few things to help get ready for your health check.
You may find it helpful to:
- Bring someone you trust with you
- Think about anything that hurts, worries you, or feels different
- Write things down or bring notes with you
- Watch a short video about what happends in the health check before your appointment
Can I have support to make it easier for me to have a health check?
We want your health care to work well for you!
You can ask for support that helps you come for your health check. We call these 'reasonable adjustments'.
These can include:
- A longer appointment
- Extra time to fill in forms
- Staff speaking more slowly or using easy to understand words
- Information in Easy Read or other accessible formats
- and more
Tell us what helps you when you book or speak to the nurse on the day.
Find out more about what we offer to support access for people with disabilities
Find out more about reasonable adjustments from Mencap
Who will I see for my health check?
Most patients will see one of our nurses for their annual health checks.
The nurse will:
- Talk with you
- Check your health
- Ask what support you might need
Clare does most of the learning disability annual health checks at our practice. Click to see her photo.
You can also bring someone with you to your health check if you want.
Local Support
SEND Somerset’s Local Offer
Information for children and young people (0-25) with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
Somerset Max Card
Discount card for foster families and families of children with additional needs (ages 0–25). Valid for 2 years, one card per household. Offers reduced entry to attractions and venues across the UK.
Activity Passes Somerset
Free activity day passes are available to all families in Somerset with a child or young person with a disability or additional need.
Accessibility and Autism Friendly Libraries
They provide accessible services for library members with special needs or disabilities. They also offer support and services for carers, foster carers, home educators and childminders.
Children with Disabilities Service
Help with equipment, short breaks, and care for disabled children and their carers. Supports and safeguards children in Somerset with a disability or on the autism diagnosis pathway, from birth to age 18.
Concessionary Bus Passes
National concessionary travel scheme passes for Somerset residents of pensionable age or who are disabled.
Open Story Tellers
A Frome based community arts charity supporting people with learning disabilities to find their voice and use it.
The Pod
Creates a safe haven for Children, Young People and Adults with additional needs, opportunities for fun, friendship and community involvement – a sense of belonging.
KeyRing – South West services
Provides individual support and group meet ups for people who have a learning disability, autism or need support with their mental health.
Mojo Moves Dance and Exercise classes
Mojo Move is a retro feel-good workout which combines comedy with proper dance aerobics.
National Support
Hospital Passports
A hospital passport tells the hospital about your healthcare, your learning disability, how you like to communicate and how to make things easier for you.
Listening Books
Online audiobook lending service for people whose illness, disability, or mental health makes reading or holding books difficult. Wide range of fiction and non-fiction for adults and children (ages 7+).
Easy Health
An online library of accessible health information with simple words, clear pictures and films.