Bereavement
Older people with Down's syndrome Define Down's syndrome may never have left home. When their parents die, they need a great deal of support to come to terms with their loss. There may also be the extra stress Define Stress of having to leave the family home. When adults with Down's syndrome have the opportunity to prepare for what will happen when their parents die, they feel much more secure.
People with Down's syndrome have the same right to grieve Define Grieve when somebody they are close to dies. Trying to protect someone from this natural process may lead to difficulties in the future.
Like anyone else, people with Down's syndrome will be upset and distressed. It is important to encourage them to grieve and to talk about they person who has died. They may also need support to decide whether or not to attend the funeral Define Funeral .
Down's Syndrome Scotland has produced a booklet 'Let's Talk about Death' for people with a learning disability Define Learning disability and a fact sheet Coping with Loss which you can download or order.
There are also e-learning resources on bereavement Define Bereavement on the Help the Hospices website.