Death and people with learning disabilities: empowering carers

Summary This study investigates the provision of loss and bereavement education to carers of people with learning disabilities within a small community home. The literature that informs this study reviews the history of care of people with learning disabilities, theories of education and theories of loss and bereavement. The research approach is a micro ethnographic one. It considers the results of an evaluation of an educational session based on 12 individual needs assessment interviews. Results show increased personal insight as a result of the educational session with carers being able to identify areas of change to care provision as an outcome. In conclusion, this study shows the place and value of a ‘small scale approach to training’ and promotes proactive care provision around loss and bereavement to people with learning disabilities.