52. Guest Blog: Hospice Care Through My Eyes - Supporting People with a Learning Disability

Hello, I’m Jess, a Learning Disability Student Nurse from the University of Northampton. I recently had the opportunity to undertake a placement at Willen Hospice. This gave me a real insight into what compassionate, person-centred care looks like.  

During my time there, I saw that hospice care is about more than just medical treatment; it’s about comfort, dignity, and being truly present for people at the end of life. I noticed how care is adapted to meet each person’s needs, how communication is clear, and how small gestures like a smile, a gentle touch, or taking time to explain can make a huge difference.  

For people with Learning Disability, healthcare can sometimes feel overwhelming and confusing. Seeing staff include these patients in decisions, listen carefully, and support families showed me the importance of empathy and patience.  

What really stayed with me from this experience was how the hospice team cared not only for the patient but also for their families and those around them. It reminded me that nursing is not just about treatment but about compassion, comfort and understanding for all.  

This placement reminded me why I wanted to be a nurse: to help people feel valued, supported and understood, especially during difficult times. My time at Willen Hospice helped me see how important it is that palliative care services and Learning Disability nurses work together. Everyone deserves dignity, respect and support at the end of life and experiences like this inspire me to continue learning how I, as a Learning Disability nurse, can be part of collaborative working. 

This experience also reflects the importance of research, such as the DAPPLE project and the Victoria and Stuart project, in shaping and improving end-of-life care for people with learning disabilities, especially in relation to communication, inclusion, and person-centred practice. 

Written by Jess Cooper, Learning Disability Student Nurse at the University of Northampton