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#Bereavement in the time of #Coronavirus
As a student #socialworker I completed a practicum in neonatal intensive care (NICU), during H1N1
#Pandemic precautions meant some families couldn’t be with their baby at time of #death
Here’s how you can help your family/friends
1/x
As a student #socialworker I completed a practicum in neonatal intensive care (NICU), during H1N1
#Pandemic precautions meant some families couldn’t be with their baby at time of #death
Here’s how you can help your family/friends
1/x
When someone notifies you of a death
Show empathy (‘sorry for your loss’)
Don’t bring up your own losses
Only offer assistance you can provide, keeping social distancing in mind (ie ‘my DMs are open’)
Don’t post about it on social media
2/x
Show empathy (‘sorry for your loss’)Don’t bring up your own lossesOnly offer assistance you can provide, keeping social distancing in mind (ie ‘my DMs are open’)Don’t post about it on social media 2/x
Comforting others 1
Meet them where they’re at - don’t force talk about loss/deceased/pandemic
Lulls make us anxious. In silence use nonverbal comm ie eye contact/relaxed body language
Don’t reflexively pass a tissue - it sends the message crying bothers you
3/x
Meet them where they’re at - don’t force talk about loss/deceased/pandemicLulls make us anxious. In silence use nonverbal comm ie eye contact/relaxed body languageDon’t reflexively pass a tissue - it sends the message crying bothers you3/x
Comforting others 2
If possible, help bereaved safely acquire something symbolic of the deceased to keep (NICU parents get a lock of hair or hand/foot imprint)
Connect with a pastor/spiritual leader/funeral home to explore final arrangement options in your area
4/x
If possible, help bereaved safely acquire something symbolic of the deceased to keep (NICU parents get a lock of hair or hand/foot imprint)Connect with a pastor/spiritual leader/funeral home to explore final arrangement options in your area4/x
Communications Help
Respect that #frontliners cannot provide pre- #COVID19 standard of communication w/families
Offer to assist w/locating/filing paperwork/applying for insurance/employment assistance
Offer to be family 'spokesperson'
5/x
#COVID19 #bereaved #MutualAid
Respect that #frontliners cannot provide pre- #COVID19 standard of communication w/familiesOffer to assist w/locating/filing paperwork/applying for insurance/employment assistanceOffer to be family 'spokesperson' 5/x
#COVID19 #bereaved #MutualAid
