Older people not offered enough bereavement help

ELDERLY people are not offered enough support when their partner dies because doctors think bereavement is a “normal” part of later life, a report has found.

A study by charity Independent Age found that more than a quarter of over65s who were bereaved didn’t seek any help or support at all with their loss, even from family or friends.

Bereavement charities also told researchers that they least expected to be contacted by people aged 65 and over. They are also less likely to be referred by their GP for “talking therapies” for depression and anxiety than those from younger age groups.

Janet Morrison, chief executive of Independent Age, said: “It is appalling that older bereaved people aren’t being offered the support and access to services that could make a huge difference.

“There needs to be a consistent approach to offering bereavement support across the country so that older people who need them can access services that can help them deal with death in their own way.”