AQW 49566/22-27

Mrs Michelle Guy
Alliance Party
Lagan Valley

Tabled Date: 24/06/2026
Answered On Date: 16/07/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health to detail how adults with a learning disability living in a residential care home are reviewed regularly, with a view to maximising independence and consideration of community-based alternatives.

Answer:

Adults with a learning disability living in a residential care home should receive regular reviews in accordance with the Care Management, Provision of Services and Charging Guidance Circular (Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, 2010). This circular sets out guidance on the care management process; including assessment, care planning, service provision, monitoring and review, to ensure continued care provision aligned to assessed need. Subsequent circulars including Charges for Residential Accommodation 2026/27, provide information in respect of associated charges regarding residential care provision.

Care plans must be person centred and focused on maintaining or, where possible, enhancing a person’s capacity for independence. Reviews should take place at least annually, or when there is a change in need or circumstances. As part of the review process, an individual's current living arrangements/placement are considered to ensure care provision continues to meet assessed needs.

Where appropriate, reviews provide an opportunity to explore alternative care or service options taking account of the individual's wishes, needs, capabilities and assessed risks. Care plans should also include objectives and expected outcomes, in line with supporting independence, as appropriate.

This ethos of regular review, person-centred planning and enabling independence is key to the draft Learning Disability Service Model. Ambition One, Life Changes, emphasises the importance of service users and their families/ carers coproducing their care plans, alongside staff. Similarly, Key Ambition 4, Meaningful Lives and Citizenship, highlights the importance of engaging in communities, building social connection and pursuing meaningful activities. The finalisation and implementation of this Model will further strengthen and support current approaches to reviewing care needs and enabling adults with a learning disability to live as independently as possible.