Accessing specialist bereavement services
Supporting bereaved people: access, assessment, and coordination of services
In providing care for bereaved people, it is crucial to ensure they have access to comprehensive support services that cater to their needs.
Access
Specialist bereavement counselling and other forms of support are accessible to bereaved people based on their needs, irrespective of age, gender, culture, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, religious or spiritual beliefs, physical or other disabilities, or ability to pay. These services are available even if the deceased was not known to a palliative care service. Cultural, spiritual, past experiences, and community norms and practices often influence preferences for support.
Assessment
Assessment for psychosocial and spiritual distress is an ongoing, interdisciplinary process. For family members and carers engaged with a service prior to a death, such as a palliative care service, assessment should start from the initial engagement and continue through the end-of-life process, at the time of death, and afterwards.
Assessments must address both normal grief reactions and any co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other health concerns, to ensure appropriate specialist support is provided.
Service coordination
Bereavement counselling and support are coordinated to ensure comprehensive care.
Bereavement support and counselling strategies
1. Promoting accessibility: Bereavement interventions are designed to be accessible across varying levels of need. Most bereaved people will not require specialist interventions.
2. Meeting self-identified needs: Bereaved people have access to services and strategies tailored to their self-identified needs and preferences.
3. Informing and empowering: Bereaved people are informed about available services, with self-referral being promoted.
4. Providing resources: Literature and resource materials on the grief process and support services are made available in a sensitive and appropriate manner, including translations for culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
Community education, collaboration, and health promotion
Effective communication and promotion of bereavement issues are vital. It is important to inform relevant stakeholders, including bereaved people, about the availability and accessibility of specialist bereavement counselling. Prioritising collaborative relationships with interdisciplinary colleagues, community organisations, and consumers enhances the support network. Additionally, providing information on grief and bereavement to general practitioners, employers, community members, and other relevant stakeholders helps build a supportive environment.
Privacy, confidentiality, and consent
Maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of bereaved clients is a fundamental principle of specialist bereavement services.
By ensuring accessible, well-coordinated, and culturally sensitive bereavement support, we can better assist bereaved people in navigating their grief and finding the support they need.
Resources
Clinical principles for specialist bereavement care in NSW