Tips for Careworkers:
People with Disability – Communication

What it is: Here, we mean talking with people with an intellectual or developmental disability or limited communication.

Why it matters: Many older people with an intellectual disability have more than one medical condition or advanced illness requiring palliative care.

Many people with intellectual disability are cared for by family carers and as they age, may need more support. In some cases, people with intellectual disability may be admitted to aged care because of:

• increasing care needs
• ageing carers or death of a family carer
• previous arrangements no longer providing enough support
• a lack of appropriate local services or accommodation.

What I need to know: Older people with intellectual disability:

• often have poorer health due to other illnesses like epilepsy and diabetes
• may show signs of early ageing
• often have depression and dementia
• may have difficulties with hearing, eyesight and mobility
• may find it difficult to join in a usual activity program
• may have limited access to disability services once in residential aged care
• may have difficulty with communication, speaking, and understanding what is said.

Do I speak to people with disability in an age-appropriate way?

What can I do when speaking with a person with disability to help them understand what I am saying?