The Importance of Social and Practical Support for People Impacted by Advanced Illness, Caregiving, Death and Bereavement
From the Heart of a Compassionate Community
At Compassionate Communities NI, we believe that no one should face advanced illness, caregiving, death, or bereavement alone. We draw inspiration from Allan Kellehear, founder of the Compassionate Communities movement, who powerfully asserts,
This perspective shapes our approach and underscores the importance of community support.
The Need for Connection
Sharon Williams, our Project Manager, explains,
“An important part of emotional wellbeing is feeling connected and valued by those close to you. Those people are likely to be family, neighbours, friends, and colleagues, people you share an interest with or have a bond with.”
When living with advanced illness, individuals often must give up work and may find it difficult to get around. They experience good days and bad days. Unfortunately, many assume they are always at medical appointments or are frequently visited by healthcare professionals. As a result, friends and family might feel they are intruding and choose to stay away.
However, the reality is that 95% of a person’s time is spent at home, with family, with their pet, alone with the TV, or on the internet. Their social world shrinks, but their need for connection continues. Social support is fundamental to emotional wellbeing, and this is where a compassionate response is very important.
Providing Practical Support
We inspire people to take proactive steps to offer support. Sharon shares,
“We encourage communities not to assume people aren’t well enough for a visit or for a trip to their favourite coffee shop. Our message is to be compassionate, be brave, and make the call. Ask if someone is up for a chat, offer to take the dog for a walk, or drop by with the daily newspaper. Even just the offer can significantly impact a person’s sense of being cared for and supported.”
Daily Tasks and Errands: Practical support can really help lift the burden and maintain normalcy. Assistance with household chores, grocery shopping, and transportation to medical appointments can be invaluable. This practical help allows individuals and caregivers to focus on their health and well-being without the added stress of daily tasks.
Caregiving Relief: We recognise the intense demands on caregivers. By providing respite care and support, caregivers can take necessary breaks and maintain their own health, preventing burnout and ensuring they can continue to provide loving care. Even one to two hours respite a week can provide self-care time for a carer.
Community and Belonging
Shared Experience: Support groups and community programmes can offer spaces where individuals can share their stories and receive empathy and understanding. They can provide a sense of validation and comfort, showing that they are not alone in their experiences.
Cultural and Spiritual Support: Support includes cultural and spiritual dimensions, recognising their importance in coping with illness, death, and bereavement. Rituals, prayers, and spiritual guidance offer comfort and meaning, reflecting our diverse and inclusive community values.
Resilience and Recovery
Building Strength: By surrounding individuals with care, understanding, and practical help, we build resilience. Knowing that they can lean on their community fosters a sense of hope and strength, helping them cope better with their circumstances.
Long-Term Healing: Support extends beyond immediate needs. Continuous emotional and practical support helps individuals gradually rebuild their lives and find new normalcy after the death of someone close, ensuring long-term healing and well-being.
Conclusion
As a compassionate community, we have an individual and collective responsibility to offer essential support that promotes emotional and physical well-being, resilience, and healing. The spirit of compassion turns empathy into action and creates a network of care that truly transforms lives.
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Compassionate Communities in Palliative and End of Life Care Conference
