People with IDD growing older: the case for specialist palliative care?

Aim: Increased associated age-related diseases (e.g. dementia) within the ID population means that service providers face the challenge supporting individuals with higher needs. The current picture of service provision is characterized by fragmentation and limited choice of resources and specialist care. Using a case-study model, the aim of the research was to describe and map the philosophy, organisation and running of a 15-bed residential care facility for people with ID in need of nursing and palliative care. A main focus of this poster will be the debate around specialist provision versus more ‘ordinary’ living environments. Methods: A range of quantitative and qualitative methods were used to map the social networks of individuals; measure their health-related quality of life; assess choices exercised by individuals and levels of activity. Staff views regarding their expectations of individual’s quality of life were also explored. Results: Few care homes in S.East UK cater exclusively for end of life care and ID. Good quality of life outcomes were reported for the study group. Conclusion: The theoretical and practical arguments for and against specialist palliative care provision for people with ID are discussed.