World Compassionate Communities Day Cont'd
NATIONAL BEREAVEMENT DAY November 15 marks National Bereavement Day. On this day, Canadians are invited to consider the legacies of those who have died and to the share stories about their own journey with grief. Coming together to share experiences helps remind individuals that they are not alone in experiencing grief. It is also an opportunity for communities to learn more about the reality of grief. In the past, grief was a subject that was rarely spoken about. Because of this, many people do not know how to handle grief, nor do they understand how to help others who are experiencing it. That is changing as our understanding of grief grows. Grief affects individuals physically as well as psychologically. Have you ever heard the expression to "die of a broken heart"? Well, scientists have discovered that bereaved spouses are more likely to die in the months following the death of their partner. An individual dealing with grief may feel that they have lost a part of themselves. They may develop feelings of depression, anxiety, hopelessness and even suicide. Studies have shown that grief is not merely emotional. It can cause complex physiological changes in our body, such as increased heart rate, higher blood pressure, elevated levels of cortisol as well as changes to our immune system. With time, most individuals who experience grief are able to continue with their lives. This is made easier when they are surrounded by a supportive community that takes time to listen and validate their feelings. As such, an important way to observe National Bereavement Day is to learn how to support other members of the community who are experiencing grief. The Canadian Mental Health Association provides excellent resources that can assist individuals coping with grief or a loved one coping with their own. Specifically, the Association suggests asking loved ones what they need, and reminding them that you are there to help. Additionally, offering practical support such as help with cooking, cleaning or even babysitting can go a long way in assisting a loved one coping with loss.
Kerala’s steps to recognize the importance of palliative care demonstrates the incredible power that local communities have in responding to issues affecting its residents. The Kerala community changed the narrative around dying, created a strong community response, increased the number of people who obtained care and influenced state and national policy. Today, many Canadian communities are adopting similar compassionate community models. They are offering supports to residents who wish to assist in providing end- of-life care, and by working collaboratively with the health care providers who offer palliative care. For example, the Government of Alberta recently launched a webpage, CompassionateAlberta.ca, which offers resources to help individuals with their end-of-life planning. It recognizes that communities are an equal partner with health care service providers in caring for those who are ill, caregiving or grieving.
In addition, here in the Bow Valley, the palliative care community in the Bow Valley values volunteers who support patients and their families who are coping with death. The impact of these wonderful volunteers is readily seen in our community as these volunteers show compassion by dedicating time to help others in need of support. The Bow Valley palliative care community can introduce individuals to a network of supports and resources to help ensure that everyone facing death can do so in comfort and dignity.
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