Introduction: An increasing number of people with intellectual disability (ID) are reaching older ages and an increased risk of dementia diseases. Staff and managers give support in daily living and can deliver information about residents' changes in behavior. The aim of the study was to explore the identification process employed by staff and managers to detect signs of suspected dementia in people with ID within intellectual disability services (ID‐services).

Methods: Twenty managers and 24 staff within ID‐service were interviewed and qualitative latent content analysis was applied.

Results: A model consisting of three themes on three levels of resources for the identification process of signs of suspected dementia emerged from the analysis. On the first level was the time and continuity in the care relationship, which is crucial for identifying and responding to changes in cognitive ability that indicate dementia. On the second level, the staff identifies deficiencies in their own knowledge, seek support from colleagues and managers within their workplace and, on the third level, outside their workplace. Staff and managers expressed needs for guidance and education from specialists in dementia and primary healthcare.

Implications: This finding indicates an urgent need for intervention research and digital support for staff in dementia care.