Exploring a continuum of support for bereaved people with intellectual disabilities: a strategic approach

People strive to make meaning out of the death of their loved ones. People with intellectual disabilities, however, may not be actively involved in death and may therefore experience disenfranchised grief. Bereavement support for this population remains at best inconsistent across the UK. The aim of this article is to further explore a bereavement support model recently developed. A case study is utilized to demonstrate the practicalities inherent in the integrated approach offered. A bereavement support framework can provide a holistic perspective for people with intellectual disabilities when integrated with a systems approach to care delivery. The resultant strategy incorporates practical ideas that address the bereavement needs of people with intellectual disabilities, encapsulating all aspects of current and future care delivery. Finally, core recommendations are offered for consideration.