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Symptom management at the end of life for people with intellectual disabilities

Last Reviewed: 22/11/2023
end of life  learning disabilities

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People with intellectual disabilities are living longer while experiencing significant health conditions often resulting in a prolonged period of dying. Symptom management may be complex at end of life and the unique needs of each individual necessitates a person-centred approach.

This article discusses several symptoms at end of life including pain, anxiety, agitation, breathlessness and epilepsy, as well as their management strategies, focusing on the last days of life. Healthcare professionals may support people with intellectual disabilities at end of life in a variety of hospital or community settings. Therefore, they need to have the knowledge and skills to provide evidence-based care safely and effectively.

Contemporary approaches to ensuring that people with an intellectual disability can self-determine the management of their symptoms and that their circle of support is involved in a meaningful way will be explored, including advanced care planning and shared decision-making. This article presents a biopsychological perspective to end of life care and symptom management, which speaks to a holistic and respectful approach.

Who is this resource for?

Explains what the component is for

This resource is aimed at nurses and nursing support workers across all settings and levels of practice, including students of health, social work and care professions.

Why you should read this article

to refresh your understanding of the nurses' professional responsibilities in relation to providing end of life care

to enhance your knowledge of the symptoms people with intellectual disabilities may experience at the end of-life

to familiarise yourself with the skills and knowledge required to support a person with an intellectual disability at the end of life

Authors

Caroline Egan

Lecturer - intellectual disability nursing, University College Cork, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Cork, Republic of Ireland

Aisling McDonald

Staff nurse - Residential Services, COPE Foundation, Cork, Ireland

Caroline Dalton

Lecturer - School of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork, Cork, Republic of Ireland

Acknowledgements

The RCN delivers quality-assured and up-to-date resources for the nursing workforce. Reviewed annually, RCN Learn resources meet the RCN Nine Quality Standards.

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PDF Created On: 19 Feb 2025.
Downloaded from https://uatlearnamber.rcn.org.uk/Search/e2167-Symptom-management-at-the-end-of-life-for-peo.
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Last Reviewed: 22/11/2023