Preparing for Good Grief: Grief and Loss in the Hospice and Palliative Context (P07)

Abstract

•Describe state of current science and theory related to grief and bereavement.•Discuss variations of grief and strategies to support bereaved individuals.•Identify best practices to support healthy grief in hospice and palliative care contexts.•Identify special needs of unique populations across the lifespan (e.g., children, teens), persons with intellectual disabilities, those experiencing unexpected death of a family member or close friend, or those having complicated grief.•Identify program services and opportunities that utilize current best practices and knowledge within their own agency. Grief and bereavement are universal human experiences, and inevitable outcomes for those who lose a family member or close friend. For hospice and palliative care providers, understanding the complexities of this universal yet individualized experience, and providing support to the bereaved is a critical part of our field. This practical, interactive workshop will provide an overview of current theories, best practices, and approaches to support healthy grief and manage loss in a modern society. Through a variety of learning exercises, including discussion of field experience and current research, case studies, video exercises, and reflections, this presentation will discuss the complexities within the grief experience in hospice and palliative care. Phases of bereavement care needs, including the initial diagnosis, grieving through the disease process, becoming eligible for hospice services, support through the ongoing trajectory of grief, and facilitating access to community supports, will be discussed. Implications for hospice and palliative care inter-professional practice, program planning, and community advocacy will be provided. Special circumstances that challenge bereavement will be identified, including children, teens, survivors of traumatic loss, and risk factors for Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD). Concerns that can particularly be addressed in the palliative context to support healthy grieving, and gaps in knowledge and services will also be highlighted.