ACCOMPANYING OF DYING PERSONS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES IN RESIDENTIAL CARE - SPECIFICITY, THEMES, APPLICATIONS.

Regarding the phenomenon of the currently extending life expectancy of the population, it can be assumed that the number of ageing persons with intellectual (and other) disability will increase. These persons, having survived their parents, need to rely on institutional support, which is frequently of a residential nature. The process of ageing of persons with intellectual disability is also associated with frequent occurrence of long-term diseases and changes in their health status. Regarding the above, it can be assumed that the number of dying persons with intellectual disability in residential establishments will increase. These persons have specific needs which need to be accepted and considered in accompanying these persons in the process of dying (in the prae finem stage and especially the finem stage). Attention should also be paid to persons with intellectual disability who found themselves in the role of survivors. The objective of the paper is through an analysis of relevant literature to conceptualize the process of accompanying (with an emphasis on the above mentioned aspects), define the issues in question, and outline possible practical applications. The paper is a review study and the authors use the method of an interpretative content analysis of current studies (articles) published primarily in the period of the past 5-10 years using a detailed procedure of review study processing (keywords, inclusion/exclusion criteria, content compliance, working with findings). The paper will help fill the gap of insufficient knowledge about the issue and will provide definitions concerning the process of accompanying of dying persons and survivors with intellectual disability in the conditions of residential services (specifics, themes, applications). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]