People living with a disability
About one in 5 Queenslanders have a disability. Over 300,000 have a profound or severe disability and need help with everyday activities.
People with a disability are more likely to face widespread barriers in getting health and related services and they have worse health outcomes than people without disabilities. These differences can be made worse at the end of life.
Queensland Health is committed to giving care at the end of life to all people living with disability, carers and their families. Our aim is to make sure people with a disability at the end of life:
- get cared for with respect, dignity and confidentiality
- can get healthcare and palliative care services, if needed
- have their treatment and condition explained to them in a way they can understand
- get cared for in the same way as everyone else
- have their individual medical, social, emotional, cultural and spiritual needs supported
- have the chance to take part in advance care planning
- get care from people they know and trust.
Find out more about specialist disability services.
Planning ahead
Do not presume that people with a disability lack capacity for making healthcare decisions. Everyone has legal rights when it comes to making end-of-life decisions.
The majority of people with a disability are able to make and act on their own decisions, however, some people may need help.
Although their ability to make decisions may be constrained by their capacity, people with limited capacity should be encouraged to participate in advance care planning to the extent their abilities allow. People with disabilities may have specific requirements that should be taken into consideration.
Some adults with disabilities may not have appointed a substitute decision-maker, however a guardian may have been appointed by the Queensland Civil and Administration Tribunal. If the situation arises where consent is needed to make healthcare decisions for a disabled person, a statutory health attorney(s) will be recognised. If a statutory health attorney isn't available, a dispute, or legal authority is needed for financial reasons, and an attorney or guardian would be formally appointed.
The healthcare team can provide more information about advance care planning for people with disabilities.
Find more information about:
- Legal information and your rights
- Future care of a person with a disability
- Planning for the future: people with disability booklet—available in English and other languages
Communication support
National Relay Service
The National Relay Service (NRS) is available to help callers with a hearing or speech impairment.
Call 133 677, then ask for (03) 9662 9644.
Speak and Listen users, call 1300 555 727 then ask for (03) 9662 9644.
Internet relay users, connect to the National Relay Service, then ask for (03) 9662 9644.
You can also download the NRS app.
There is an interpreting service for callers who speak other languages. Call (03) 9662 9644 and ask for the language you need.