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Support clients during stages of bereavement and grief

URN: PPLFOS02
Business Sectors (Suites): Funeral Services
Developed by: People 1st
Approved on: 2022

Overview

This standard provides the fundamental knowledge and skills required to support clients during stages of bereavement and grief. It includes grief cycles and other considerations such as religion, culture and belief.

This standard is for funeral directors, funeral director's assistants, funeral arrangers, funeral attendants, funeral operatives and embalmers.

When you have completed this standard you will be able to demonstrate your understanding of and ability to:

  • Support clients during stages of bereavement and grief

Performance criteria

You must be able to:

1. recognise the current stage of bereavement and grief when assisting the client and adapt your approach accordingly 2. adapt your approach and support to meet any cultural and religious values and beliefs of the client and the deceased 3. adapt your approach and support to meet the emotional and physical needs of the client during the stages of their bereavement and grief 4. maintain your composure and apply your knowledge and skills to assist the client in a neutral and professional manner 5. adapt your approach and support for a parent following the death of a child 6. provide relevant advice to the client to assist them to communicate with a child following the bereavement of a parent or family member 7. provide contacts for local or national bereavement services and support available for clients

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

1. the stages and cycles of grief and theories associated with bereavement and grief 2. the influence of religion, culture and belief upon grief 3. the role of the funeral business in supporting the client during bereavement and grief 4. the emotional and physical effects of bereavement and grief 5. the knowledge and skills required to support yourself and manage your own wellbeing during interaction with clients 6. how children react to the loss of a parent or family member 7. how to adapt support for a parent following the death of a baby or child 8. the relevant local or national bereavement services and support available for clients

Scope/range

1. Clients who are:
1.1. children
1.2. parents
1.3. other relatives
1.4. friends of the deceased
1.5 legal representatives and authorities

Scope Performance

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Scope Knowledge

Values

Behaviours

Skills

Glossary

Links To Other NOS

The standards in the funeral operations suite should be complemented by pan-sector standards such as working relationships, business, administration and resource management, as well as any other specific requirements of the employer.

External Links

Version Number

2

Indicative Review Date

2027

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

People 1st International Ltd

Original URN

PPLFOS02

Relevant Occupations

Funeral Director, Funeral Director’s Assistant, Funeral Services Attendant, Funeral Services Operative, Funeral Arranger, Embalmer

SOC Code

6138

Keywords

Bereavement; grief; loss; support; funeral