Grief and bereavement

Following the passing of an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, there are a number of cultural practices and spiritual needs that should be considered and respected [44594]. For example, it may not be culturally appropriate for non-Indigenous staff members to contact the next of kin when someone has passed [21898][29818]. Other examples of cultural practices and protocols may include:

• not using the deceased person’s name
• avoiding eye contact
• the performance of a smoking ceremony.

It is important to note that such practices are not homogenous across all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups, and communication with the patient and their family is encouraged to understand their specific cultural needs and individual choices [21898].

Where possible, Aboriginal Health Workers and Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officers should be introduced to the family of a person approaching end-of-life to help build trust, provide cultural support and offer advice [44594][29818][43533]. Non-Indigenous staff may also seek guidance from Aboriginal Health Workers and Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officers [21898] and when they are not available, they should talk with the family so there is a shared understanding of what will happen [40671]. Staff should also be mindful that Aboriginal Health Workers and Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officers may have a personal relationship with the patient and family.

Grief is the normal reaction to a loss, but each individual will have their own experience, which is likely to affect them emotionally, mentally and physically, as well as impacting their behaviour and potentially their spiritual beliefs [29818][43533]. Emotional and spiritual support from health professionals or Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Workers should be available for people experiencing grief [40671]. This could be general grief and bereavement support, or it may be more targeted if the person is at risk of, or experiencing, prolonged grief.

The grief experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can sometimes be multi-layered, and at times mean that people are grieving for more than one person at any one time [43533]. It can also be compounded by other losses such as the historical removal of children [43673].

People who provide care for those living with a life-limiting illness should also be aware of the impacts it can have on their own resilience and strength, especially when supporting themselves, their families, their colleagues and the people they care for [43533].