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.
Families can ask for support after a VAD death from several places. The palliative care team, VAD care navigator service, GP, hospital social worker, counsellor, spiritual care worker or grief service may be able to help.
Some state VAD services provide or refer to bereavement support after the death.
General information: This page gives general information for people in Australia. Support services differ by state, territory and local area. If someone is at immediate risk of harm, call 000. For crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Start with the teams already involved
Ask the VAD practitioner, VAD navigator, palliative care team or GP:
- "Is bereavement support available?"
- "Can someone speak with our family?"
- "Is there support for children?"
- "Who can help if family members disagree about what happened?"
They may know local services that understand VAD.
Other support options
Support may include grief counselling, peer support, psychology, spiritual care, family meetings, bereavement groups, Carer Gateway, Grief Australia, Lifeline or community health services.
If grief is affecting sleep, eating, safety, alcohol or drug use, work, parenting or relationships, ask for help early.
You may also want to read
- What is different about grief after a VAD death?
- Is it normal to feel relief as well as grief after a VAD death?
- How do families cope with knowing the exact date of a VAD death?