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In the Know: Implementing good practice. Information and tools for anyone supporting people with a learning disability and dementia
Diana Kerr and Heather Wilkinson, Pavilion
ISBN 1841961663, 19.95

STAR RATING: 4/5




This ring-bound resource pack is aimed at "anyone", which is its strength, writes Noelle Blackman. The authors have collaborated in the development of the pack with practitioners which has helped to ensure that as well as being thorough and well referenced it is accessible and useable.

The pack is divided into three sections: background, fact sheets and tools; with each section designed to be used either alone or with each other.


Fact sheets include information on what dementia is and the importance of getting an accurate diagnosis. There are also sections on developing supportive environments, communication and on supporting people to eat. This is all done in a sensitive way which suggests first-hand experience. There is emphasis on working in partnership with specialist practitioners.

It encourages staff to work on life stories with people, and although I agree that this is important, I am always a little wary of people taking on this work without some training or at least supervision.

I was really pleased to see the needs of peers taken into account, in particular helping people to understand what is happening to friends and how they might help.

Noelle Blackman is assistant director, Respond, a learning difficulties charity