COVID Grief: End-of-Life Caregiving
End-of-Life Caregiving as a Protective Factor:
End-of-life care is defined as support and medical care during the time surrounding death. The end-of-life process varies greatly depending upon the type of death, personal needs, family dynamics, rituals and preferences. According to this study, minimizing distressing physical symptoms leads to a better outcome in caregiver bereavement. Meaningful communication between the patient, family, and friends during the end-of-life process (saying ‘goodbye’) has been associated with better outcomes when measuring for depression or complicated grief.
COVID’s Impact:
COVID significantly disrupted this end-of-life process as family members were often restricted from being able to visit and physically comfort their person. Even as COVID restrictions have lifted, many hospitals have maintained limitations on the number of visitors. In addition, some individuals also report a lingering sense of anxiety when visiting a friend or family member in the hospital given potential and perceived risks. And finally, after becoming accustomed to wearing masks and keeping a distance, physical comforting during end-of-life care may feel awkward or uncomfortable.
What to Do – suggestions for the bereaved:
- Plan ahead for physical comfort. In some cases, physical contact can be a meaningful way to connect and communicate during the end-of-life process. Prior to visiting the hospital, envision the types of physical touch that feel comfortable and bring protective gear if needed. A soft touch, even with gloves on, may bring a sense of comfort and peace. One general suggestion when visiting is to place your hand beneath the hand of the dying person, because the pressure of having something on top of their hand can sometimes be uncomfortable.
- Foster a calming & peaceful environment. Family and friends can work with the medical team to create a soothing environment by softening the lights and playing relaxing and meaningful music. If possible, they can bring special objects from home to make the room feel more personal and special. The Mayo Clinic provides additional tips for how to attend to emotional, spiritual, and physical needs when a person is nearing death.
- Involve the dying person as much as possible in conversations. Talking openly about the dying process and listening attentively to their needs and wishes can lessen anxiety for everyone in this conversation. Even if they are not able to communicate, you can still address your person and speak to them directly.
- Explore anticipatory bereavement resources. For children and consider this legacy book template with prompts to record special memories and messages.
This is one protective factor of a series. Click here for the comprehensive resource: COVID Grief: Protective Factors & the Impact of the Pandemic
This resource is made possible through a partnership with the Brave of Heart Fund, founded by the foundations of New York Life and Cigna, and administered by E4E Relief.
