Background Advance care planning (ACP) empowers people to think about what is important to them and provides an opportunity to record their wishes for future care (Gold Standards Framework, 2018). NICE recognise that people growing older with a learning disability should have the same opportunities as everyone else to plan for the future (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2018). Working collaboratively allowed the ACP Facilitator and Learning Disabilities Liaison Nurse to provide better opportunities for ACP discussions.

Aims To provide people with a learning disability living within a care home in the Wyre Forest with an opportunity to explore ACP; ensuring we capture what is important to people and record a summary of clinical recommendations for care and treatment on a ReSPECT form (Reuscitation Council UK, 2021). Provide support and training to the care home staff to increase their knowledge and understanding of ACP and effective communication skills. Ensuring that we include everyone that should be involved in ACP discussions was vitally important and as shown in the LeDeR review not always happening within practice (LeDer, 2020-21).

Methods In collaboration with the care homes, relevant healthcare professionals and advocacy services where appropriate to provide residents and their loved ones opportunities to have open and honest ACP discussions. Reviewing all previously recorded ACP to ensure completed correctly and valid.

Results Increased uptake of ReSPECT forms and ACPs for residents within the local learning disability care homes. Development of staff communication skills and understanding of ACP. Good verbal and written feedback following teaching sessions and regarding the support provided.

Conclusion ACP is recognised as having a very important role for empowering people to think about what is important to them. These discussions are just as important for people who have a learning disability, and they should be given the same opportunities to have open and honest discussions (PCPLD Network & NHS England, 2017). We must ensure we involve all appropriate people. This collaborative working approach has allowed different skills and knowledge to work together to provide better opportunities for residents.