Research shows that individuals with a learning disability may be more likely to deal with mental health problems. One study found that 54% of people with a learning disability have a mental health problem. This could be due to a variety of reasons, but the main risk factors are their biological and genetic vulnerability, negative life events, impact of stigma and less access to resources and coping skills.
Alongside this, mental health issues are more difficult to recognise and diagnose in individuals with learning difficulties, which means it’s challenging to provide the right care and put a trackable plan in place. Monitoring behaviour, mental health and setting goals are important steps to providing the right care to these individuals. Without appropriate systems for recognising and tracking mental health concerns, changes in wellbeing can be missed, leading to poorer outcomes and avoidable escalation of needs.
Why mental health problems in individuals with learning disabilities aren’t always recognised
It can often be difficult to recognise mental health issues and diagnose these in individuals with learning disabilities. That means they often go untreated or overlooked due to a mixture of communicative and diagnostic barriers.
Communication barriers can make it difficult for individuals to express how they are feeling. Some residents may struggle to articulate emotions such as low mood, distress or worry, while others may communicate their mental state through changes in behaviour rather than words. Without consistent observation and skilled interpretation by trained staff, these changes may be misinterpreted.
Mental health symptoms may also present as physical or behavioural changes, such as withdrawal, agitation, disrupted sleep, changes in appetite or increased incidents of behaviours that challenge. In busy care environments, these signs can be seen as routine fluctuations rather than indicators of underlying mental health needs.
Additionally, limited access to specialist mental health services and training can contribute to under-recognition. Staff may feel less confident in identifying early signs of mental health concerns or unsure when and how to escalate issues for clinical assessment. This highlights the importance of structured processes, clear guidance and ongoing professional development within learning disability care homes.
Strategies for tracking mental health issues
There are a range of ways that mental health can be tracked in individuals with mental health issues.
Establish baselines
Understanding what is typical for each person is essential. Establishing a baseline of an individual’s usual mood, behaviour, communication style and daily routines allows staff to identify meaningful changes more accurately. This baseline should be documented within care plans and regularly reviewed.
Behavioural monitoring and physical indicators
Changes in behaviour, sleep patterns, appetite, engagement in activities or social interaction can all indicate changes in mental wellbeing. Tracking these indicators over time helps distinguish between short-term fluctuations and more sustained concerns that may require further assessment or support.
Person-centred engagement
Where possible, individuals should be supported to express how they are feeling in ways that work for them. This may include the use of visual tools, emotion scales, social stories or structured check-ins. Tailoring communication methods helps ensure individuals remain actively involved in monitoring and managing their mental health.
Train and support staff
Staff training is central to effective mental health tracking. Care teams should be equipped to recognise early warning signs of mental distress, understand the concept of diagnostic overshadowing and feel confident in escalating concerns appropriately.
Clear escalation pathways and collaboration
It’s important to dictate clear pathways for escalating mental health concerns to healthcare professionals. Collaboration with GPs, learning disability nurses, psychologists and mental health services supports timely assessment and intervention. Families and advocates can also provide valuable insight into changes in behaviour or emotional wellbeing.
How Log my Care’s software can help to track mental health
The right digital care management software can improve consistency, reduce information gaps between shifts and provide a clearer overview of trends.
With Log my Care, you can create person-centred goals with review dates and importance scores, so staff and users can track progress over time. Support workers can use the software to record, evidence and share resident’s developments. You can add personalised information about each user, which is ideal for individuals with learning difficulties who have specific communication preferences.
Book a personalised demo with our expert team who can show you how the right care management software can benefit your care home.
