For some people with learning disabilities, change can be challenging. This means they sometimes need more support when facing changing circumstances in their lives. If you are looking for residential care for a family member with learning disabilities, you may be concerned about how they will react to the change.

This is why using day care facilities at a local residential care home is a great idea. This will give them a chance to get to know the staff and other residents at that care home, while still having the security of going back to what they know at the end of the day.

In fact, day care is great for many people’s wellbeing because it helps them to make new friends, socialise and gives them a chance to participate in a variety of activities.

Mencap highlights some of the top ways for people with learning disabilities to improve their mental wellbeing, which include being active, learning new skills and socialising – all of which are part of our programme for those who have day care as well as full-time residents.

It can act as a stepping stone to full residential care by helping your loved one to feel comfortable in these new surroundings before they move in full time.

What to look for in a residential care home for those with learning disabilities?

Ultimately you want to find somewhere that will offer personalised care for your loved one. You want to find a team who will listen to what they do and don’t like and will work with you to create the right environment to help them thrive.

Facilities are important too. It’s great to find care homes that have their own sensory rooms and gardens. A sensory room can be especially important if your loved one has specific sensory triggers, as this is a dedicated space where they can self-regulate and decompress.

It’s also good to look at the activities that are regularly offered at any given care home, including what day trips are offered and how these are managed.