Care provided after death:
The Social Worker provides various support services to patients/clients. They can be involved in the support of clients and their families during all stages of an illness and may be required to continue with the family after death; or their involvement may be requested when death is imminent or has alreadyoccurred. Their responsibilities include:
- Assessing the physical, social, emotional, intellectual and spiritual needs of the client and family,and providing, suggesting or arranging the appropriate practical and emotional support.
- Offering counselling or group work to bereaved people
- Accessing and co-ordinating social care such as domiciliary care services
- Referring to other services and resources
- Coordinating child protection measures in the event of a sudden, unexpected death in infancy or death of a parent, if necessary.
Works alongside:
- Medical and nursing/midwifery staff
- Allied health professionals
- Housing Agencies
- Benefits/Benefit Advice Agencies
- Community/Voluntary organisations
The Standard of Bereavement Care is enhanced when:
Other services and professionals are aware of the scope and role of the social worker in supporting clients and families; and when effective multi-disciplinary working occurs.
Standards and Guidelines: (click here)
Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC) Codes of Practice for Social Care Workers and Employers of Social Care Workers, 2002
The British Association of Social Workers (BASW) Code of Ethics, 2011
