'If and when?': the beliefs and experiences of community living staff in supporting older people with intellectual disability to know about dying.

摘要: Background  The aim of this study was to explore the way in which community living staff engaged with people intellectual disability (ID) about dying and death. Method  Guided by grounded theory methodology, focus groups individual interviews were conducted who had either no experience client death, a sudden or death pre-dated period end-of-life care. Results  While principle, unanimously supported belief that ID should know dying, there limited in-practice engagement clients topic. Engagement varied according experience, capacity understand nature ‘opportunity’ engage. Four ‘opportunities’ identified: ‘when family die’, ‘incidental opportunities’, live someone is dying’ dying’. Despite staff, are regularly exposed death. Conclusions  People have fundamental right death. Sophisticated skills required ensure can meaningfully engage issues as opportunities arise.