Support available:

 

•  Simple gestures from health professionals who were involved in the treatment of the deceased which demonstrates care and sympathy  i.e sign condolence cards or card sent on death anniversary, attendance of the funeral or memorial service.

 

• All families should be provided with leaflets detailing support services which are available for access if they wish to

 

• Bereavement psychotherapy such as one to one counselling where concerns can be discussed and helping to put things in a different pespective. This may be conducted by volunteers or trained staff.

 

• Alternatively,  CBT is a form of cognitive and behavioural intervention where negative thoughts are challenged. It believes that thoughts/emotions are interlinked with behaviour which can cause depression or anxiety. The aim of CBT is to dismiss the vicious cycle of negative thoughts in order to help patients recover.

 

• Arrangement of volunteer visits to homes to allow social contact and listening to any concerns

 

• Group support meetings; families meet others who are experiencing loss and afford possibility of sharing coping techniques  with each other

 

• Telephone helplines are available for the bereaved to speak to trained volunteers