|
|
|
Bereavement Support
When someone close to us passes on, we don’t only lose that person on the physical level but also lose the “possibilities” that we could have shared with them. We are often reminded of their absence, and this is especially apparent at certain life markers, which often leave us wondering how our lives would have been if that person had survived. At such times, most of us need someone to talk to. Much of this support may come from family and friends. However, it’s sometimes more effective if we can speak to certain people who are not directly involved in the grieving process, and who possess professional bereavement support skills.
Hospis Malaysia’s bereavement support begins right from the final days of the patient’s life because the process of grief and bereavement actually starts before the death of the patient. The physical death of a patient merely makes it a little more real for the family. Once the patient dies, a courtesy call is paid by the Palliative Care nurse in charge of the patient, offering support if needed. This will be followed by visit to the patient’s home to offer an independent listening ear, and gradual counseling sessions (by our clinical psychologist if necessary) thereafter to help family members come to terms with the loss. Counseling may not offer immediate remedy, but it may help to develop ways to help grieving family members cope with the loss. The healing process only starts when grief is expressed.
Hospis Malaysia also provides occasions for family members of patients who have passed on to get together for a remembrance service. This is often carried out during the World Hospice Day and is held at Hospis Malaysia’s Day Care Centre. Family members of those remembered are invited to share their memories during the gathering, and candles are lit in their memory. Hospis Malaysia staffs, especially the Clinical team, are always present at such gatherings to listen to family members who need to talk about their losses.
