Coronavirus

COVID-19 & Down’s Syndrome

The pandemic has turned all our lives upside down and created unprecedented challenges for people who have Down’s syndrome and their families and carers.

We have collected some useful resources and links for you about what support is available and answering some frequently asked questions.

Our Family Support team are here to answer your questions and talk about any concerns you may have. Call our helpline 0300 030 2121 or email familysupportservice@dsscotland.org.uk.

 

General Information for Scotland…

If you have been asked to self-isolate and need additional support to do so effectively you can contact the National Assistance Helpline on 0800 111 4000 or contact via text phone on 0800 111 4114. It is open Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm. This helpline is dedicated to helping those who cannot leave their home and who cannot get the help they need otherwise. Where we can, most of us should speak to family, friends, and neighbours to help us deal with a period of self-isolation.

Adults with Down’s Syndrome and those who provide support… 

  • Shielding advice for people with Down’s syndrome aged 18+

Since November 2020 people with Down’s syndrome aged 18+ have been included on the list of people at the highest clinical risk from the COVID-19 virus, this is sometimes referred to as the ‘shielding list’.

All adults with Down’s syndrome aged 18+ living in Scotland were sent a letter from Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer about the additional advice and support they will be offered and explaining that they should take extra care now because they are at the highest risk of severe ill-health should they catch the virus. 

At the moment there is no requirement for anyone with Down’s Syndrome to shield. Be beware that this advice might change in the future. We will update the information provided here if that happens.

 

  • Easy read information
    • You can find easy read information about Coronavirus, government guidance and social distancing here.
    • The Scottish Commission for Learning Disability (SCLD) have been working with the Scottish Government to produce some guidance for people with learning disabilities on the Coronavirus outbreak and how people can protect themselves – you can view their resources here.

 

  • Guidance for unpaid carers, personal assistants, social care providers and adult day services providers –
    • the Scottish Government have guidance for those who provide care and support under the Health workers, carers and social work section here.

For parents of children with Down’s syndrome… 

  • DSA’s Journal published articles about Preventing infection in Children with Down’s syndrome and Recognising serious illness in children with Down’s syndrome you can find both of these articles here.

Information for carers on the COVID-19 Vaccine… 

  • National Carers Organisation have produced a sheet of frequently asked questions outlining the current position around unpaid and family carers receiving the COVID-19 vaccine – you can access this here. 

Research into Covid-19 & Down’s syndrome… 

  • T21 Research Society have been doing research into Covid-19 and Down’s syndrome, their Clinical and Science & Society Committees have developed a survey of COVID-19 in Down’s syndrome to be completed by carers and clinicians caring for individuals who have been diagnosed with COVID-19. The surveys are currently “live” in several countries and their initial findings are now available. You can view these and find out more here – https://www.t21rs.org.

Visit our Latest Covid-19 Update Page to read the most recent information and guidance. 

If you have any difficulty in getting the support or information that you need our Family Support team are here to help.  Call our helpline 0300 030 2121 or email familysupportservice@dsscotland.org.uk.