Bereavement and people with intellectual disabilities

Abstract

For most people, the loss of a loved one is a tragedy unequalled by any other. It affects every family and raises policy and logistic issues for the health and social service agencies of every community. Currently, people with intellectual disabilities are living longer than previously and are experiencing more and varied relationships. However for most people with intellectual disabilities, they are looked after at home by relatives. As a result, the degree of attachment and dependence may become very strong. It is very clear that when these very close bonds ore broken, by the death of the carer, it may prove catastrophic for the individual.