Factors to consider ahead of time and throughout your interactions:
- Who are you to the family?
- Situation – what is the situation like for them and how might it impact your interactions and their reactions?
- Who is your point of contact for the family?
- Are you clear about what information is to be passed on?
- Are there other family members who wish to be involved or contact you directly?
- What is the plan to manage those requests?
Family bonds
- The stronger the family relationships the more intense their reaction will likely be.
- Good relationships can act as a strong and positive support network
- This can also amplify reactions in an unhelpful manner
Key factors that affect how a death impacts a family:
- Degree of experience of death in the family
- High expectations of health and life for a person
- Role of faith.
