Let’s Talk: Person-Centered End-of-Life Planning for Direct Support Professionals

Have you ever thought about what you might need or want when you become aware that your end of life is nearing? Have you ever considered what dying well looks like? How would you want to support those you love, as they face this journey? Now consider this as a direct support professional (DSP) working with an individual with an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD) who has been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness. Should your support look any different?

Many think that death is a dark and grim thing, but the truth is, death is the ONE thing that all of us have in common. Death is natural. Death is not the opposite of life; death is a part of life. This is why person-centered planning for individuals who are on their end-of-life journeys is so important. DSPs have the opportunity to help facilitate what is known as a good death for the individuals we support.

This month’s Let’s Talk webinar will explore person-centered planning for individuals who are on their end-of-life journeys. NADSP Director of Educational Services, John Raffaele welcomes Lesley Ahee, a Death Doula and Residential Supervisor at Ottawa Carleton Association for Persons with Developmental Disabilities (OCAPDD), to discuss her article, “Person-Centered End-of-Life Planning for Direct Support Professionals” This webinar is a companion to the February International Journal for Direct Support Professionals issue. ASL interpretation will be available during the webinar along with closed captions.

For previous issues of The International Journal for Direct Support Professionals, click here.