Grief & Bereavement

Grief, bereavement and support after loss.

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How do families cope with knowing the exact date of a VAD death?

Knowing the planned date of a VAD death can help some families prepare, but it can also create pressure, dread and complex grief.

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Is it normal to feel relief as well as grief after a VAD death?

Yes, relief and grief can happen together after a VAD death, especially when someone had been suffering or the family had been under strain.

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What end-of-life choices do I still have if I cannot access VAD?

If VAD is not available to you, you may still have choices about palliative care, treatment refusal, place of care, advance care planning and symptom relief.

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What is different about grief after a VAD death?

Grief after a VAD death can include ordinary grief as well as feelings linked to planning, secrecy, disagreement, relief or the known date of death.

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What support is available for families after a VAD death?

Families after a VAD death can seek support from palliative care, VAD services, GPs, grief services, counselling, spiritual care and crisis lines.