How to Talk About End of Life with Someone That Has an Intellectual or Learning Disability

We explore the health disparities and what you can do to help for those with a learning disability, especially related to palliative and end of life care.

This week we are exploring the topic of having and terminal illness and how to get the information needed if you have a learning disability. Having a learning disability, or even several disabilities, isn’t related to intelligence. It just means that the person’s brain works differently from others. Be sure to see the resource links in show notes.

People with intellectual and learning disabilities are now living significantly longer than in previous generations. They not only face the same age-related health and social care needs as anyone, but they also have specific challenges due to their learning disability. They may also be left out of important activities such as a loved one’s funeral. Learn more about the challenges and how to support those with intellectual/learning disabilities, especially surrounding death and the end of life.

In this Episode:

• 02:13 – Recipe of the Week: Cheesecake Fruit Salad
• 04:26 – Dying Stars
• 12:56 – Learning Disability and End of Life
• 28:20 – “Is it ‘selfish’ to ask dying husband to hold on a little longer?” – Advice from Washington Post