An assets-based approach to bereavement care

Abstract

A survey of bereaved clients of four funeral providers in Australia confirms a public health model predicting that over half the group would demonstrate low risk of complicated grief, another third moderate risk, while a small minority would meet the criteria for prolonged grief disorder. The survey also shows differing patterns of need and sources of support for each of the three groups. While our findings support targeting the bereavement care provided by health services, our primary interest is in the care received by most bereaved people. Some is provided in the community through the everyday activities of healthcare professionals. Most comes from a range of people already involved in the everyday lives of those recently bereaved. We contend that the most effective way to provide bereavement care is to support these ‘everyday assets’, ensuring that their care is recognised, appreciated, and not disrupted by over-reach from professional services.