Private lives, public policy – a commentary on “Spirituality and learning disability: a review of UK Government guidance”

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a commentary on “Spirituality and learning disability: a review of UK Government guidance” by Sango and Forrester-Jones.

Design/methodology/approach

The commentary examines the interplay between spirituality and health care in caring for people with a learning disability from a personal perspective and considers the reasons why healthcare professionals and caregivers may not facilitate expression of spirituality in this group.

Findings

Carers with a religious affiliation of their own are more likely to engage people with learning disability in exploration of religion and spirituality than those with no religious affiliation. Although government policy in this area is limited, spirituality is an integral part of holistic care and should be addressed by all healthcare professionals and paid carers.

Originality/value

This paper explores reasons why carers may find it hard to talk about spirituality and provides guidance and resources for talking about spirituality to people with learning disability.

Citation

Camden-Smith, C. (2014), "Private lives, public policy – a commentary on “Spirituality and learning disability: a review of UK Government guidance”", Tizard Learning Disability Review, Vol. 19 No. 4, pp. 178-180. https://doi.org/10.1108/TLDR-07-2014-0020