Grief is formally at the heart of end-of-life care in hospice, from the time of the patient’s initial comprehensive assessment through 12 months or longer after death. However, grief is important to address through the entire palliative care experience. This presentation will examine the grief needs of patients and families throughout the continuum of care, with a specific focus on the work done by social workers and bereavement professionals to address these needs and support the interdisciplinary team. The Conditions of Participation are foundationally important for this work and will be reviewed, including the role of the patient and family in assessment and planning. Using a case study and interactive dialogue, the critical role of social workers and bereavement professionals for grief support will be highlighted.
Learning Objectives:
1. Discuss the critical importance of the Conditions of Participation related to grief and bereavement including pre- and post-death assessment and interventions
2. Describe the role of hospice social workers in supporting patients’ and families’ grief issues prior to death
3. Describe the role of hospice bereavement professionals in supporting families’ post-death grief
CE/CME: Counselor, Nurse, Physician and Social Worker