Issue date: 17 March 2005
Many people with learning disabilities who are terminally ill receive inadequate support, according to research by the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities. That’s why the Foundation has published Dying Matters - a new workbook for managers and staff supporting people with learning disabilities who are terminally ill.
Dying Matters explores the issues that staff within learning disability services face when caring for terminally ill people, and gives practical advice on how to provide good support and better policies. It explores noticing when a person with a learning disability is ill, talking about illness and dying, planning ahead when it is known that a person is terminally ill and being in hospital.
The workbook provides case studies to highlight the changes that need to be made. One tells the story of a young woman with mild learning disabilities whose condition went unnoticed until she eventually presented an advanced case of breast cancer to hospital staff - her breast having literally rotted away.
Dying Matters hopes to encourage managers and support staff in learning disability services to realise the importance of the role they play in the lives of people with learning disabilities who are terminally ill.
Hazel Morgan, Co-Director of the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities, says:
“People with learning disabilities must be treated in the same way as everyone else – in life as well as in death. We hope that this guide will help to honour each person’s life and protect them from being diminished either as a consequence of their learning disability or of their final illness.”
Dying Matters, written by Hilary Brown, Sophie Burns & Margaret Flynn, is available now from the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities. Priced at £25, copies can be obtained by calling 020 7803 1100.
ENDS
Return to news releases 2005
Note to editors
For further information and interview requests contact please contact the press office on 020 7803 1105 / 1128 or email the press office
The Foundation promotes the rights, quality of life and opportunities of people with learning disabilities and their families. We do this by working with people with learning disabilities, their families and those who support them to:
- Do research and develop projects that promote social inclusion and citizenship
- Support local communities and services to include people with learning disabilities
- Make practical improvements in services for people with learning disabilities
- Spread knowledge and information.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
