Coping with grief can be a difficult task for anyone, but it can be particularly challenging for healthcare staff. In a long-term care setting, workers often form close relationships with the residents they care for. When residents pass away, it can be challenging for healthcare workers to navigate their own grief while continuing to provide care for their remaining residents. By providing support, resources, and recognition, healthcare organizations can help healthcare workers cope with grief and loss.
5 Ways To Help Healthcare Workers Cope With Grief and Loss
- Encourage self-care: Caregivers need to take care of themselves in order to be able to care for others. Encourage staff to take time off, engage in activities they enjoy and seek support from others.
- Create a supportive workplace culture: It’s important for healthcare staff to have a safe space where they can talk about their feelings and emotions without judgement. Consider offering frontline staff with training on how to communicate around topics like grief and loss.
- Provide resources: Make sure healthcare staff have access to resources such as grief support hotlines or online grief resources that they can use to seek help and support. Offer support to healthcare workers who have experienced loss by providing grief counseling, support groups or chaplaincy services.
- Foster a sense of community: Encourage healthcare staff to come together and support each other. This can be done by hosting an annual memorial ceremony where staff can share memories and pay their respects or by creating a remembrance display.
- Recognize their hard work: Recognize the hard work and dedication of healthcare workers, especially during times of crisis. Show appreciation for their tireless efforts and the sacrifices they make to serve others.
Employee Resources at Rockingham County
Rockingham County recognizes that our employees face a lot of challenges balancing work and personal needs. We’re proud to offer support to healthcare workers during the difficult process of a resident passing away. All staff are provided resources to manage their own emotional well-being including on-site counseling services and time off to grieve. Additionally, Rockingham County offers team activities such as appreciation events and employee resource groups to help promote employee well-being.
If you’re interested in learning more about joining our supportive team you can view our current job openings here.
