Planning for the future for family carers of adults with intellectual disabilities (ID): training-the-trainers: A pilot study

Aim: To develop a two-day workshop that targeted community ID staff to support family carers in developing a future plan when they can no longer provide care due to illness/death. Methods: A two-day workshop and resources was developed for community ID staff. There were two stages of this development and piloting. Firstly, after a review of the literature and via consultation with experts in this field, the training manual and resources were developed. Secondly, the workshop was piloted twice with 25 community ID staff. Feedback was obtained through evaluation sheets and focus groups. Results: There were six sections to the workshop (what is a future plan, barriers, housing and support, financial security, direct payments, moving to action). All staff reported the clarity and user friendliness of the workshop, training manual and resources for the family carers and adults with ID. Minor amendments were made. Conclusion: Current fiscal constraints impact upon how family carers are being supported to explore what happens when they can no longer provide care. This model provides an opportunity for staff to acquire the skills required to facilitate a future plan being completed by families rather than wait for a crisis to occur.