End-of-Life Care Policies for People With an Intellectual Disability

It is estimated that more than 650,000 individuals with intellectual disabilities live with caregivers who are 60 or more years old. As they age, they face end- of- life issues in relation to their caregivers, as well as their own health care needs. This article examines some of the major issues concerning end- of- life care for people with an intellectual disability, presents findings of a recent national survey on end- of- life care vis-á-vis the policy implications, and describes some of the emerging strategies and innovations designed to promote improved end- of- life care.