Dealing with Loss and Grief in Health and Social Care

Overview

Framework:
RQF
Level:
Level 2
Unit No:
A/505/2410
Credits:
3
Guided learning hours:
24 hours

Assessment Guidance

Portfolio of Evidence

Aim

This unit considers different types of loss and grief and how the health and social care worker can support someone in their care through the different stages of grieving.

Unit Learning Outcomes

1

Know about loss and grief.

Assessment Criteria

  • 1.1
    Describe the different types of loss and grief that people may encounter in their lives.

    1.1: Different types of loss and grief, for example:

    • loss of a partner, sibling, child, parent
    • marital breakdown
    • friend or colleague
    • close friend or member of family moving away to another town or country
    • sudden and unexpected death
    • expected death of a young person, a chronically ill person, or an elderly person
  • 1.2

    Describe the different effects loss and grief can have on people at different stages of their life, including social, emotional, physical and behavioural effects.

    1.2: Effects, for example:

    • social, for example, loss of friendships
    • emotional, for example, depression
    • physical, for example, weight loss
    • behavioural effects, for example, anger
  • 1.3

    Describe the way in which a person’s culture, religion or personal beliefs may affect the way in which they experience grief and loss.

    1.3: The way in which a person’s culture, religion or personal beliefs may affect the way in which they experience grief and loss, for example:

    • culture, religion or personal beliefs can provide a sense of comfort, reassurance of life beyond death, knowing the person is in a better place
2

Know the process of grieving and adjusting to loss.

Assessment Criteria

  • 2.1

    Outline some of the different views about the stages an individual goes through when grieving or adjusting to loss.

    2.1: Stages, for example:

    • shock and denial
    • pain and guilt
    • anger and bargaining
    • depression, reflection and loneliness
    • the upward turn - beginning to get back to some degree of normality
    • reconstruction and working through
    • acceptance and hope 
3

Know how a health and social care professional can support an individual to adjust to loss or grief.

Assessment Criteria

  • 3.1

    Describe different strategies a health and social care professional can use to help an individual
    a) through the process of grieving
    b) deal with the effects of loss or grief on their lives.

    3.1: Different strategies, for example:

    • listening to them
    • being available and approachable
    • suggesting support groups
    • encouraging a person to go out and meet people
    • take on new interests
    • practical support, for example, helping to manage finances
  • 3.2

    Explain how strategies for supporting an individual might differ according to their age, culture, religion or personal beliefs.

    3.2: Strategies, for example:

    • recognising that religious beliefs may shape rituals, mourning practises, and decision-making around loss and bereavement
    • understanding that a person’s age can affect their comprehension of loss and influence the coping strategies they use
  • 3.3
    State how accessing support for themselves can help a health and social care professional to better support those adjusting to loss or grief.
4

Know about support services for people grieving or adjusting to loss.

Assessment Criteria

  • 4.1

    Outline the types of support available to people grieving or adjusting to loss and how they can be accessed.

    4.1: Types of support, for example:

    • medical practice
    • support groups, for example, Samaritans
    • religious groups
    • charities, for example, Bereavement UK, Cruse, Marie Curie Support Line