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AbstractFoot disorders affect people with intellectual disability and have an impact on their ability to mobilize; their prevalence appears to be higher than in the general population. Foot problems are recognized as part of certain syndromes associated with intellectual disabilities. Bony deformities of the foot, general health disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, and inappropriate footwear contribute to the development and aggravation of foot disorders. People with intellectual disability generally are disadvantaged as they do not have sufficient access to podiatric services even when foot problems are well known. Attention to people's foot health has important benefits to their health, social functioning, and mobility. Issues in the management of foot problems include awareness by carers and podiatrists of foot disorders in people with intellectual disabilities, effective communication with the person, and the assessment of mental capacity by podiatrists when proposing interventions to manage the problems. Maintaining people's mobility through active attention to their foot health has benefits not just for the persons but their access to community life and reduced costs in meeting their health needs.

Laos (officially the Lao People's Democratic Republic) is a land-locked country in South East Asia, and one of the three former French colonies of Indochina. Since 1989, when it was opened to foreigners, there has been an influx of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and tourists. From 1998 tourist numbers have increased every year, and Laos has become the 'must see' destination in a travel industry that craves the exotic. It has an old and rich culture with a diverse population. The climate is tropical, with a cool dry season and a hot wet season, when temperatures reach 38°C.

AbstractAuthors conducted a systematic review of the available Dutch, English, and German language literature for the period 1997–2008 on the current knowledge on social‐psychological and pharmacological caregiving with respect to older adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) affected by dementia. Authors note that caregiving occurs on a personal level between the person and their carer and organizational and interorganizational supports have an impact on the quality of care provided. However, the lack of robust evidence to meet the needs of adults with ID affected by dementia means that service organizations often have to extrapolate from the evidence base of dementia care practices in the general population. The review showed that concerns over staff burden, behavioral interventions, and staff training, and applications of models of care were emerging, but were not systematically studied. Authors noted that pharmacological agents and nonpharmacological, psychosocial techniques were being used to assist carers manage behavior, but the evidence base of both nonpharmacological and pharmacological interventions that can help people with ID and dementia and their carers is insufficient because of the absence of systematic and robust studies. The authors note a need for an international research agenda that begins to address gaps in knowledge. With more adults projected to be affected by dementia, a robust evidence‐based body of literature on dementia care in people with ID can help with planning for and providing quality dementia‐capable services.

AbstractBackgroundAdults with intellectual disabilities often display behaviour that challenges that is a result of biological differences, psychological challenges, and lack of appropriate social support. Intensive Support Teams (IST) are recommended to support the care needs of this group and avoid hospitalisation. However, little attention has been paid to the perspectives of stakeholders who manage, work in, or use ISTs.MethodInterviews and focus groups were conducted with 50 stakeholders (IST service managers and professionals, adults with intellectual disabilities, and family and paid carers) of ISTs. Services operated according to one of two service models previously identified in ISTs in England (enhanced or independent).ResultsThematic analysis identified accessible and flexible support, individualised care, and the involvement of carers and other relevant agencies in management plans and reviews as features of good IST care highlighted by all stakeholder groups. IST managers and professionals described the key challenges of current IST provision as unclear referral criteria, limited interfaces with other local services, and perceived threats associated with funding and staff retention. Findings were similar between the two IST models.ConclusionsISTs are able to offer care and specialist support that is valued by families, service users and other care providers. However, they face several operational challenges that should be addressed if ISTs are to reach their potential along with community intellectual disability services in supporting adults with intellectual disabilities who display behaviour that challenges in the community.