Bereavement, Loss and Learning Disabilities – A Guide for Professionals and Carers

Citation

Oliver, D. and Reader, H. (2013), "Bereavement, Loss and Learning Disabilities – A Guide for Professionals and Carers", Tizard Learning Disability Review, Vol. 18 No. 3, pp. 150-150. https://doi.org/10.1108/TLDR-02-2013-0016

There is increasing awareness of the needs of people with learning disabilities, and their families and carers, to cope with issues arising from bereavement. This may be of a parent, friend, a fellow resident where the person lives, a carer or the person themselves facing a terminal illness. Robin Grey provides a good introduction to this area in a clear and well‐presented book.

Each chapter looks at issues and challenges in providing help for the grieving person and the carers. There are issues that are specific to people with learning disabilities – of dependency, of sometimes limited understanding of the events unfolding around them, of exhibiting difficult and new behaviours as a response to grief, of the need for clarity in communication, and avoiding confusing euphemisms. At the end of each section there is a case study, emphasising the points made, and a clear summary.

This book does look carefully at the issues raised for the person with learning disability but also raises concerns and gives ideas as to how the carers and professionals involved can best help the person and their family. There are well presented ideas on preparing both the person and the family for possible deaths with a very practical approach to what to say and what to do, particularly in the residential setting. There is also discussion of the role and tasks of counselling with the person with learning disabilities.

This book would be helpful to anyone caring for people with learning disabilities as they face bereavement and loss. It is clear and well presented with clear key points at the end of every chapter. All carers should have access to this book and read it regularly.