The Australian population of people with intellectual disability are ageing and experiencing increasing rates of life-limiting conditions such as respiratory diseases, circulatory diseases and cancer. However, people with intellectual disability experience barriers to accessing palliative care that meets their needs.

Our team are undertaking a research project that aims to improve palliative care services for people with intellectual disability. The project uses a mixed-methods approach incorporating large linked datasets and other quantitative and qualitative data to examine access to and the impact of palliative care for people with intellectual disability.

We have consulted nationally with people with intellectual disability, carers, and professionals, and are translating our findings into the co-design of a tailored model of palliative care for people with intellectual disability. We will also develop and launch a Toolkit to improve the accessibility and quality of palliative care services for people with intellectual disability nation-wide. The Toolkit will include information and resources for people with intellectual disability, supporters of people with intellectual disability, and health professionals.