A different ending: addressing inequalities in end of life care: people with a learning disability

Author:
CARE QUALITY COMMISSION
Publisher:
Care Quality Commission
Publication year:
2016
Pagination:
4
Place of publication:
Newcastle upon Tyne

This document outlines the barriers to good end of life care experienced by people with a learning disability. The report is one of a suite of documents reporting on the Care Quality Commission end of life care thematic review, and is designed to be read in conjunction with the other documents. There are challenges in delivering good end of life care in prison, and the experience of prisoners at the end of life is variable. The reviewers asked a group of people with a learning disability about what was important to them for good end of life care. They said that it was important to have family and friends nearby, to have privacy, peace and quiet, preferably not to be in hospital, to be able to go outside, and to have the support of a care coordinator when needed. They thought that services should talk more to people who have a learning disability to get their views and check that they are improving and inclusive. The document focuses on staff lack of knowledge around learning disabilities, communication and coordination of care. The Care Quality Commission encourages commissioners and providers to support early identification of people with a learning disability who may be approaching the end of life, as part of improved health care; and to make sure that health and care staff have the skills and support they need to communicate well with people with a learning disability who may be approaching the end of life. This includes access to appropriate communication aids and tools. (Edited publisher abstract)

Subject terms:
learning disabilities, end of life care, health inequalities, user views, access to services;
Content type:
inspection report
Location(s):
England
Link:
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