Coronavirus: People with learning disabilities have six times higher death rate from COVID-19

People with learning disabilities in England with COVID-19 had a death rate that was six times higher than the general population during the first wave of the pandemic.

A study by Public Health England (PHE) has discovered 451 per 100,000 people registered as having a learning disability died with COVID-19 between 21 March and 5 June.

This is a death rate 4.1 times higher than the general population but not all people with learning difficulties are registered on these databases. Researchers believe as many as 692 people per 100,000 actually died – 6.3 times higher than the general population.

The death rate for people aged 18 to 34 with learning disabilities was 30 times higher than the rate in the same age group without disabilities, researchers highlighted in a report by the PHE published this week.

Higher rate in care homes

The rate of COVID-19 deaths for adults with learning disabilities in care homes was higher than the death rates of COVID-19 adults with learning disabilities generally.

“It is deeply troubling that one of the most vulnerable groups in our society suffered so much during the first wave of the pandemic", said Professor John Newton, director of health improvement at PHE.

"We must do everything possible to prevent this happening again. There are now regular tests in care homes to make sure cases of coronavirus can be quickly identified and isolated, even if people do not recognise the symptoms themselves.

“But with cases developing across the country, it is essential to practice rigorous infection control if you are in contact with someone with a learning disability, whether or not they live in a care home”.

More vulnerable to respiratory infections

PHE examined data from The English Learning Disabilities Mortality Review (LeDeR) and NHS England’s COVID-19 Patient Notification System (CPNS) which records deaths in hospital settings.

A learning disability is a significantly reduced ability to understand new or complex information and learn new skills and a reduced ability to cope independently, with a lasting effect on development.

The PHE report highlights how people with learning disabilities are more likely to have other physical health problems such as obesity and diabetes, and different types of learning disability, such as Down’s syndrome, can make people more vulnerable to respiratory infections, which can increase their risk of dying from COVID-19.

Lack of tests for people with learning disabilities

As reported by carehome.co.uk, care homes caring for people with learning disabilities were not prioritised for COVID-19 tests by the government at the peak of the pandemic. Government guidance updated 14 May stipulated only care homes that look after 'older people or people with dementia' would get tests.

As highlighted in Episode 14 of ‘Let’s Talk About Care’ podcast (published in November), Mark Topps a manager of a care home supporting people with learning disabilities, only began receiving COVID-19 tests six weeks ago. He also described not being able to get enough PPE to protect his residents because of free PPE restrictions on the government’s online portal.

In response to the report's findings, Care minister Helen Whately said: “A third of those with learning disabilities who sadly died were living in residential care.

“There is now regular testing of staff and residents in care homes, and testing has also been rolled out to supported living settings in high risk areas.

“We’re also offering free PPE, and the Joint committee on vaccines and immunisation has proposed those living and working in care homes should be top of the list for vaccination.

“I am asking SAGE to review the findings and give advice on what more we can do to keep people safe.”