Background <p>In Austria around 89,000 people live with intellectual disabilities (ID) and their life expectancy is increasingly approaching that of the general population. Their growing need for care confronts a&#xa0;healthcare system that is inadequately prepared. Nurses often feel insufficiently trained. The National Action Plan on Disability (2022–2030) calls for improvements in accessibility, education, and communication.</p> Aim <p>The aim of this study was to gain insights into the experience of acute inpatient stays of people with ID from the perspective of parents and caregivers. In particular, the study seeks to identify perceived needs, barriers and challenges in order to derive practice-relevant findings for needs-based care.</p> Research question <p>How is an acute inpatient stay experienced by people with intellectual disabilities from the perspective of the parents or caregivers?</p> Methods <p>In the context of a&#xa0;qualitative descriptive research design, semistructured interviews with relatives and professional carers of people with intellectual disabilities were conducted (<i>n</i> = 8). The interviews were transcribed, anonymized and analyzed using qualitative content analysis according to Mayring.</p> Results <p>Central barriers for people with ID emerged in the areas of communication and interaction, decision-making processes, inadequate qualifications of hospital staff and structural factors. Positive experiences were characterized by inclusive structures and effective communication.</p> Conclusion <p>The integration of this topic into educational programs, specialized continuing education, internships, outpatient clinics for inclusive medicine, the introduction of a&#xa0;range of assistive devices and improved acceptance of hospital passes are essential. Additionally, legislative frameworks and further studies are crucial for optimizing care.</p>