Few people realise that in the UK today, individuals with learning disabilities are likely to die 15–20 years younger than the general population.
This isn’t just an unfortunate statistic, it’s a human rights issue.
And what’s worse? Many of these deaths are avoidable.
Startling statistics
According to the NHS’s LeDeR programme (Learning from Lives and Deaths), which reviews the deaths of people with learning disabilities:
The median age at death in 2022 was 62 years (compared to around 81 years in the general population).
In too many cases, the quality of healthcare fell significantly below expected standards.
Many deaths were linked to delays in diagnosis, poor communication, or assumptions made about someone’s quality of life.
What’s going wrong?
1. Poor access to healthcare
People with learning disabilities often experience:
Difficulty making appointments
Staff not understanding how to communicate effectively
Longer waits and missed follow-ups
A lack of reasonable adjustments (like easy-read materials or support during consultations)
2. Diagnostic overshadowing
This is when health professionals assume that new symptoms are just part of someone’s learning disability, and fail to investigate further.
It means serious conditions go undetected until it’s too late.
3. A lack of annual health checks
The NHS offers annual health checks for people aged 14+ on the learning disability register. Yet uptake is still too low and many families don’t even know the register exists.
These checks are vital for picking up early signs of conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and cancers.
Real people, real consequences
Behind every statistic is a person whose life was cut short, not by illness, but by a system that didn’t listen or act.
Families have reported having to fight for basic care, being ignored when raising concerns, and watching loved ones deteriorate because no one took action early enough.
The Death by Indifference campaign launched by Mencap over a decade ago is, heartbreakingly, still relevant today.
What needs to change?
Mandatory training for all healthcare professionals on treating patients with learning disabilities
Clearer guidelines and accountability for reasonable adjustments
More funding for community learning disability nurses
Stronger enforcement of the Equality Act in healthcare settings
Public awareness of the learning disability register and how to access it
This is not just about health. It’s about justice. No one should die early because they weren’t listened to, or because their needs were seen as too complicated.
Improving health outcomes for people with learning disabilities is entirely possible.
Why Choose Academy Care for Home Care Services?
At Academy Care, we believe in empowering individuals to maintain their independence while receiving the compassionate support they need. Our tailored domiciliary care services are designed to fit seamlessly into your loved one's life, providing everything from occasional visits to full-time live-in care.
Want to learn more?
📞 Call us today at 01924 925 244
📧 Email us at admin@academycare.co.uk
Let’s work together to create a care solution that meets your family's unique needs.
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