Palliative care and disability

People living with disability may require palliative care at different stages of life, depending on the nature of their condition, their level of function, and their long term health trajectory. Palliative care is not only about end of life — it is a holistic approach that promotes comfort, quality of life and support for the person, their family and their care network.

Inclusive, equitable care recognises that people with disability have the same right to timely, high quality palliative support, and that services must proactively address barriers such as communication challenges or delayed recognition of deterioration. By ensuring accessibility, collaboration across services, and person-centered practice, we can deliver compassionate, dignified and responsive care for all.

Resources

National Disability Services

A comprehensive guide to palliative care, end-of-life care and advance care planning.

Palliative Care, life limiting illness, and support for people with a disability.

Guide to Assessment Tool to identify deterioration in participants with a disability and a life-limiting illness – PDF document

Talking End of Life

… with people with intellectual disability

TEL is designed for disability support workers but is also helpful for others including families, health professionals, and educators.

Talking End of Life (TEL)

VALID

Palliative Care Victoria and VALID have created new resources to help professionals talk to people living with a disability about palliative care, death and grief.

Palliative Care Easy Read Resources | VALID

SMRPCC Fact Sheet Series 

For more resources and links to other organisations, go to SMRPCC’s Resources and Links page

Contact SMRPCC

Katrina Midgley
Residential Aged Care Program Manager
0493 490 911
katrina.midgley@smrpcc.org.au