People with learning disabilities experience bereavement like everyone else and they too will grieve in their own unique way. Relatives or carers may be hesitant to disclose information relating to a death to a person with profound or multiple learning disabilities who does not communicate verbally, have difficulty speaking or a limited vocabulary but carers or counsellors can find helpful and creative ways to communicate.

NHS Wales created an extremely helpful and comprehensive guide to supporting bereaved people with learning disabilities. Written in the 1990's some of the terminology has changed but it is still very useful.

GUIDE FOR CARERS

A number of charities and networks have created easy reading guides to help people with learning disabilities and carers to communicate what happens when someone has died (links can be found below). Other ways include using multi-sensory options, using pictures, creating memory boxes and artwork, visiting tangible places associated with the person who died, or even a cemetery. Support groups, counselling, and spiritual support (if appropriate) may all be helpful.

Discussing death with a person with a learning disability.

• Use clear information as much as possible.
• Answer any questions as best you can and honestly.
• Listen to any anxieties, fears and feelings.
• Follow up on the conversation at another time.
• Don’t avoid talking about the person. It is helpful to share memories and happy times with the person you are supporting. 

Resources

Helpful website articles for those supporting bereaved people with learning disabilities include;

Mencap

Sudden

Marie Curie Easy Read Guide 

For an easy read leaflet to help to support people with learning disabilities through a bereavement try THIS

We provide free counselling via GriefChat on our website. You may wish to go through this 'Easy Read guide to GriefChat' specially designed to help people with learning disabilities, before they access the service

To explain Coronavirus to someone with learning disabilities go here to find a free and downloadable guide.