HEALTH & WELLBEING- ACCESS & EQUALITY UN & DSI

Transcription

1 HEALTH & WELLBEING- ACCESS & EQUALITY UN & DSI WDSD CONFERENCE 2014 Jaspreet Kaur Sekhon

2 People with disabilities can work together with our caregivers, healthcare workers and the community to ensure our healthcare rights and needs are met.

3 People with Down syndrome should understand their disability well. Healthcare and community workers should provide us and caregivers the right care to manage our condition and health issues.

4 Some developmental and health issues are due to Down syndrome. Right treatment is needed early to prevent more problems. Many people with Down syndrome have heart conditions, higher risk of leukaemia and early onset Alzheimers. Important to treat these conditions early to help us manage them and maintain active lives.

5 Not all health issues are related to having Down syndrome. Down syndrome is not a disease; we do not suffer from it. When dealing with health issues, we need the same quality of care, affordable services and treatment that any person has. People with Down syndrome are their best advocates when they understand their disability.

6 Most of my experiences with healthcare workers have been good. I was often given information, support and encouragement. Many people with Down syndrome around the world are not so lucky. Healthcare workers must learn how to interact with people with disabilities. Speak to us and our caregivers gently and clearly. Give us support and encouragement Be sensitive especially when giving bad news.

7 Behavioural issues can lead to people with DS being labelled as having mental illness. Some experience bullying in school and the community. This leads to poor self-esteem and more challenging behaviour. Mental health is just as important as our physical health. Healthcare and community workers must help us overcome difficulties and be accepted in the community better.

8 Childhood, adolescence and adulthood all have different challenges. Guidance and help from doctors and healthcare workers is very important.

9 We must take charge of our health. Lead healthy lives by staying active, eating well and being social. Know our bodies well to understand how we feel when we are well and when we are not. Seek medical treatment early. Healthcare workers can use our abilities to show us how to lead a healthy lifestyle and meet our health needs. Many aspects of our disability can be overcome through good health.

10 People with disabilities should not be denied healthcare. Many people with Down syndrome are excluded from getting necessary health services. We must work together to change this situation. Healthcare workers can be our best advocates when they speak up and help us get the same level of health services as everybody else. People with Down syndrome can make a difference by sharing important information with healthcare workers and advocating for the right care too.

11 I can make informed decisions with my parents when given clear and honest information. How people with Down syndrome can speak up and be responsible for their healthcare: Do not delay getting treatment. Do not miss appointments. Get regular preventative screenings. If you don t understand, ask the doctor to repeat it in simple language. Plan your visit well. Write down questions and talk to the doctor yourself. Ask your caretaker to go with you for support and assistance. Be honest and open with your doctor. Write down what the doctor tells you. Ask the doctor for more information, like brochures or websites.

12 Prepare for your appointment by using the GLADD that is based on the HealthPACT Program. Follow these 5 steps and be responsible for your healthcare. Give information about how you are feeling and what you have done to stay healthy. Listen carefully to your health care providers and learn. Ask your doctors the questions you have about your health. Decide: at every visit with a health care professional, decisions need to be made about what to do next. Do your part in following the plan. Credit:

13 In conclusion What doctors can do: Use simple words and explain difficult terms. Be patient, kind and take your time to discuss things with us. Speak directly to us and ask us questions. Consider our wants and needs. Speak to our caregivers to get more information if you need to. Make sure we and our caregivers understand what you have told us. Explain and show us what you will do before an examination so that we are prepared and feel comfortable. Use pictures or objects to explain complicated things. Give us information to read at home. Give us a clear step-by-step plan for our treatment.

14 Make us partners in our treatment. By respecting each other, we can meet our health rights and needs.