Bereavement Program

The goal of our Bereavement Program is to increase access to bereavement care for families, friends, and caregivers. By identifying and reaching out to bereaved family and friends, the program can help to reduce the feelings of isolation and loss that occur after the death of a loved one, and lessen the difficulties caused by grief.

It is common for many bereaved persons to feel a lack of supports during the grieving process and not know where to look for help. During a patient’s illness, significant family and friends often develop strong attachments at the hospital, and after the death of their loved one they may seek support from a health care professional they know. To assist our health care professionals in the recognition of those coping with the loss of a loved one, the Palliative Care clinical team developed a number of bereavement materials and tools, all with emphasis on identifying those at risk of complicated grief as well as anyone looking for support during their grieving process.

One of the bereavement tools used involves the creation of a follow-up pathway, beginning with a bereavement risk assessment. Bereavement risk assessment is comprehensive, and includes clinical staff discussions in rounds, where those at risk of complicated bereavement are identified and a care plan is put in place. As well, at the time of death the bereavement tool is completed and the bereavement risk level of the grieving person(s) is determined. Depending on the risk level assessed, bereavement care can include telephone follow-up by a chaplain and/or palliative care social worker, help connecting the family or friends with appropriate counseling/community services, or referral to a physician.

Several bereavement initiatives are implemented at the Toronto Grace to help family and friends cope with the loss of a loved one. A bereavement tool is utilized for every patient with the goal of assessing whether their loved one is at risk of complicated grief. Bereavement follow up support is offered by our chaplain and/or palliative care social worker, including telephone check-ins as well as the connection to counseling/community services, if appropriate. A memorial table is set up, with place cards that bear the deceased patient’s name and date of death as a way to honour our patients and their time with us. Condolence cards which include written information about the grief process and bereavement support programming in the GTA are sent to bereaved family members. Family and friends are invited to the memorial services that are held in the chapel, in which the patients who have died are remembered. Prior to the service, a psychoeducational support group is offered to anyone who would like to talk about how they are currently coping. Following the service, family and friends join with staff in remembering their loved ones. Throughout the process, family and friends are supported with brochures that have been specifically developed to help the bereaved understand the many levels of grief.

Our Bereavement Program aligns well with the TGHC’s mission, vision and core values. It demonstrates the hospital’s commitment to providing responsive, exceptional and compassionate care for all, including the bereaved. We believe that effective bereavement services have the potential to support people through some of the most difficult periods of their lives.