People with learning disabilities and bereavement

You may have to explain to a person with a learning disability that a family member has died and are concerned about their level of understanding and how to do this.

Using storyboards and memory books may be a helpful way of communicating with a person with a learning disability about death and enabling them to share their feelings. ‘Access to Learning Disability Healthcare' has developed a Make a Difference Toolkit which includes information and resources on how to support people with a learning disability with end of life care and bereavement. There are also some very helpful books ‘Books Beyond Words' which can be purchased individually on death and loss of a family member.

Here is information and advice as well as easy to read resources on how to help people with a learning disability deal with grief.