Supporting Significant Life Events: A Case Study of Sue and Tom

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SUPPORTING OF SIGNIFICANT LIFE EVENTS
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Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................3
LO1..................................................................................................................................................4
LO2..................................................................................................................................................8
LO3................................................................................................................................................12
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................15
Reference List................................................................................................................................16
Appendix-1: Elizabeth Kubler Ross’ grief model.........................................................................18
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Introduction
The definition of a significant life event is essentially a relative event. This is because; the degree
of significance lies in the perception of an individual and the rate of reaction so experienced post
the occurrence of the event or even during the course of occurrence. The aim of this study lays in
the critical analysis of the impact on Sue and Tom post the loss of their younger child to
Leukaemia. However, the scope of the study lies in the understanding of the responses of
multiple individuals towards the significant event.
The background of the case includes the stark variations in the responses between Sue and Tom
post the loss of their female child to Leukaemia. Over time, Tom has been able to understand the
need to move on and have reduced the quantum of grief. However, Sue has been on a self-guilt
spree with abstracts thoughts getting the better of her sound judgments. This has cause
significant issues with her parenting style for the elder Son.
For the conduction of the study, my personal role has been considered as a medical counsellor.
My role has been limited to counsel Sue on the recommendation of Tom to improve her mental
condition.
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LO1
Introduction
Any significant life event directly influences the social life of an individual. However, social life
in this case would be limited to the general responses projected by both Tom and Sue over being
open to sympathy coupled with parenting of their elder son. Life events are however is
dependent on the perception of individual, which affects the impact.
1.1 Analysis of impact of significant life events on individual
Any individual has multiple stages in one’s life. Stages like childhood, adolescence, adulthood,
middle age, old age. In the stages of childhood or adolescence, any significant life event results
in shaping the overall character of the individual in the long end. This would be because; the
mentioned stages are associated with ample free time and any event leaves traces (Hovens et al.,
2015). However, in the remaining stages, such significant events would mostly affect the social
networks, as negative events would lead to decrease in social networks and reduction in will to
communicate.
Positive events are those that generate a positive feeling or happiness in one’s life. Similarly, the
reduction social networks and development of depression or negative outlook towards life
characterize the negative events. Physical impact would generally be obesity as movement would
be restricted with reduction in the social life of the individual (Katz et al., 2016). Additionally, in
the psychologically segment, the individual life events would result in the alteration of mindset
towards oneself as well as towards the society. All of the mentioned attributes would result in the
increase if stress, depression and grief for all individuals. This would be because, in most cases,
significant life events are mostly in the negative segment. This would be because, positive
segment would be associated with regular expectation and would not be a significant change and
advanced planning would be associated with the same.
Based on the Kubler-Ross grief model, there are five stages of grief management. Based on the
model, it could be deduced that Sue is currently in the depression stage. This would be because,
she is blaming herself for abstract conditions like saying ‘love you’ to her dead daughter before
she passed away. Additionally, she is overwhelmed for the protection of her living child, the
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elder son as she has become extensively protective of him despite her husband supporting
freedom of the son.
However, Tom is on the acceptance phase. This would be because; he has accepted the death of
the death of her daughter and moved on by concentrating on his profession. Additionally, in the
parenting style, a new approach has been seen in Tom. This new approach is characterized by the
fact that life itself is unpredictable and short and one should have ample freedom to live one life
to the fullest. Tom is implementing this new approach in parenting his son coupled with
recommending Sue to approach a professional individual for coming out the said depression.
1.2 Analysis of possible group responses to significant life events
Relative to the case study, the significant life event projected similar responses by the family
members, the society and event the community associated with healthcare.
In the segment of family, Tom supported Sue in multiple ways post the death of their child. Over
the tenure of 12 months, Tom even understood cropping issues with the mentality of his wife.
This is because; he identified the guilt trip of his wife and recommended a visit to a professional
counsellor.
In the segment of society, group responses have been mostly empathetic in nature. This is
because the nurse that was tendering Jill during the course of her treatment provided ample
support to the family in terms of care and guidance. Such was the deep empathetic response to
the condition of Jill as well as the family, she had to remain absent from her work for few days
post the death of the child. Similarly, the employer of Sue provided non-paid leave for four
weeks to her in consideration to her daughter’s condition. This additionally included flexible
working time post joining the office. Additionally, the professional medical counsellor has been
able to develop the mental condition of Sue drastically.
In the segment of community, the Bereavement Partner Support Group provided counseling and
grief support to the parents as loss of any child is a significant loss to parent and more if the child
is just 10 years of age.
The sole support provided by the mentioned organization includes providing counseling for those
individuals that have lost some one due to cancer. Additional supports includes a platform of
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communicating and sharing about the feelings coupled with co pay and crowd funding platforms
for meeting the expensive treatment cost of cancer (CancerCare.org, 2019). Additionally, the
organization provides practical information regarding cancer treatments and potential service
areas to maintain a healthy mindset during the trying times.
1.3 Impact for others in health and social care when an individual experiences significant
life events
In the health and the social care segment, the multiple individuals are associated with multiple
groups of individuals. These groups are in the segments of nurses, carers, social workers, and
support workers, managers associated with care homes and pharmacists.
In the segment of nurses, the impact is generally the most severe. This is because, other than the
parents, a cancer patient like Jill spends time with the nurse. This is because; post the diagnosis
of the condition, Jill spent the initial weeks in the hospital. The general practice of a hospital is
that is has fixed visiting hours. However, the nurses would have unlimited access to the patient
which leads to development of deep and understanding relationship between the patient and the
nurse. Based on the case study it could be deduced that the nurse that the death and treatment of
such a young child for cancer negatively affected her as evident from her absents post her death.
In the segment of carers and social workers, the impact would be more limited to the emotional
segment. This would be because; they project habituation with such kind of emotions and would
control themselves to avoid any psychological effect (Block et al., 2017).
In the segment of managers of care homes and pharmacists, only physical and social effect
would be observed. This would be because; such individuals are business-oriented individuals
that would mostly associate with profit rather having an emotional approach towards a patient or
an individual. The sole reason for this is the high cost of medicines associated with cancer
treatment and the regular and extensive care required in the care homes. However, in the
segment of meals in wheels, mostly psychological effect be seen. This would be because of the
common notion that feeding a dying individual would bring good luck to the individual and in
major religions; it is considered a pure form of social service and service towards the almighty.
Conclusion
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It could be deduced that life events project a significant impact on the social networks of an
individual. This would be because of the humane nature of the society and the increase of
empathy towards the individual. In the positive aspect, the impact enables extensive emotional
and financial support for the person experiencing a loss. However, in the negative aspect, it could
be concluded that reduction in social networks is a common phenomenon as experienced by both
Tom and Sue post the loss of Jill.
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LO2
Introduction
During experiencing a significant life event, it is of utmost requirement that the individual or any
group should understand the support available. The sole reason for the requirement of such is
having enough information for making an informed decision regarding treatment facilities and
care supports through paid services, government supports voluntary services provided by
multitude of organizations and individuals.
2.1 Effectiveness of organizational policies and procedures in supporting individuals
One of the major supports provided to a cancer patient and his or her kin is the Clinical Guidance
on Supportive and Palliative Care (CSG). The support provided by the mentioned organization
included providing a guiding tool against cancer services. Such tools are characterized by the
identification of the support mechanisms that are required by the patient as well as the Kin for
ensuring effective treatment. The effectiveness of the same has been in the identification of the
positive and the negative aspects of the cancer medicines that are provided to the patients. Based
on the case study, CSG additionally includes aspect of recommending a six-month counselling
course with active intake of anti depressant medicines for Sue as she has been affected in a more
negative way than her husband Tom has.
Additional effectiveness includes the increase in the user involvement and effective sharing of
information couple with psychological support. The effectiveness of the CSG could additionally
be identified in the domain of rehabilitation of a survivor of the deadly disease. However, based
on the case study, since, Jill died fighting cancer the rehabilitation could be associated with the
counselling provided to the parents. This counselling enabled Tom to move on in life. However,
for Jill, the palliative care so recommended by the body enabled her to live for six months post
the complete diagnosis of leukemic cancer. Additionally, the effectiveness of the same could be
identified based on the new approach undertaken by the father in concentrating on the
development of their son than lamenting on the loss of their daughter.
Similarly, in the NHS ‘Bereavement policies and procedures’, a staff is entitled to a paid leave of
five working days under the mentioned scheme (Nhs24.scot, 2019). However, the duration of the
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unpaid leave would be dependent on the nature of the disease of the kin. Relative to the case,
study, Sue’s employee had adhered to these regulations. This is because; the Sue was offered
unpaid leaves up to four weeks. The fact that she declined to come to work is her personal
choice. Additionally, the employer offered flexible working timing to Sue which again she
declined to be with her ailing daughter during the last couple of days she would be alive.
The effectiveness of the same could be additionally understood in the event that the scope of the
policy is associated with all segments of employees associated with the NHS in some form or the
other.
2.2 Explain how others in social networks may provide support to individuals experiencing
significant life events
Support provided to the individuals experiencing any particular form of significant life event
(SLE) from the various elements within their social networks varies as per their needs and
requirements. Close friends, family members and external community support groups may
provide emotional and fiscal support to the grieving individuals. They can also receive physical,
emotional and spiritual support and aid from community workers and support groups that
provide such opportunity to grieving individuals. As per the findings developed by McKissock
(2017), it can be stated that individuals experiencing SLE and grieving about the loss of a near
one can seek the support of groups such as Shaping the Bereavement and Bereavement Partner
Support Group as well as local community groups in order to continue with regular activities.
Compassionate friends and Cruse Bereavement Care can provide necessary emotional and
spiritual support to individuals who feel restricted by their own emotions. Such support from
external elements provides the opportunity to the individuals experiencing SLE to overcome
their grief and move forth with their lives. As opined by Smith et al. (2018), it is essential for
support providers to ensure the grieving individuals are able to continue with their life and
perform their daily chores. Mobility plays an essential aspect for people who are suffering due to
the loss of a near one or child and they can seek the support of local care home officials and
healthcare professionals to ensure they are able to continue with their daily activities. The
support received from friends and family members
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In case of Sue and Tom, the care and support received from professional counselling enabled
Tom to overcome the grief of losing their 10-year-old daughter to leukaemia but Sue needed
additional support from local care providers and community members in overcoming the loss of
her daughter (taken from the case study). It was essential for the elements within the social
networks of Sue and Tom to provide them with additional emotional support and care during the
course of losing their daughter to leukaemia. The local support providers and cultural groups can
provide spiritual therapy to the individuals experiencing emotional trauma of any SLE (Gloria
and Steinhardt, 2016). The existence of multiple social support groups also provide the
individuals experiencing SLE to overcome issues that reduce their ability to function efficiently
in the society.
2.3 Evaluate the suitability of external sources of support for those affected by significant
life events
It is necessary for individuals to acquire the aid from external support groups in order to function
efficiently within the society and to overcome the feeling of loss of a near one. External sources
such as counsellors, psychologists, health care professionals, lawyers and solicitors can provide
guidance to individuals experiencing trauma and unresolved grief over the loss of a family
member or any other type of SLE that may have affected their regular functioning. It is observed
from the study conducted by Perrig-Chiello et al. (2016), that external support from care
providers, professionals and social groups are beneficial for the successful personal development
of individuals experiencing SLE in their lives.
The individuals can gain financial support from various legal bodies and solicitors regarding
legal advice on the various joint commodities of family members that need to be divided after the
death of a partner. Organisations such as Earl Mountbatten Hospice and Bereavement Partner
Support Group would be able to provide necessary aid to the individuals experiencing trauma
and SLE in their lives. Considering the situation of Sue and Tom, it can be stated that the support
they received from professional guidance counsellor was beneficial for them regarding the
shared parenting of their 12-year-old son, David. Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital and
several other hospitals that operate under the NHS provide financial support to parents with sick
children for staying with their wards during their treatment with the hospitals.
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It can be stated that the referring program within numerous hospitals aid the parents of children
and other family members to seek additional external aid regarding overcoming the grief
associated with death of a near one or a child is beneficial. Referral programs allow individuals
experiencing any form of SLE to acquire additional emotional and metal support from external
service providers to overcome grief. The fact that Tom benefitted better from the support
received from support groups and programs more than Sue proves that it is essential to seek the
aid of multiple types of supporting groups and operators to overcome the grief of a child.
Multidisciplinary treatment and support providence allows individuals to overcome issues they
experience during any form of SLE. As observed in case of Sue and Tom, the fact that Tom
benefitted from the same organisation but presented different results proves that the support and
aid program designed for individuals may vary as per the need of the specific individuals. Sue
required additional support from a psychologist and a professional grief counsellor in order to
cope with the loss of her daughter. Thus, it is evident that individuals experiencing SLEs may
require external multidisciplinary support in order to overcome the effects of SLE in their lives.
Conclusion
The analysis of the supports yielded two conclusions. First, the existence of the mentioned
organization resulted in the reduction of suffering of both Sue and Tom as supports provided by
these organizations. Second, it could be concluded that financial supports provided by
organization as if Earl Mountbatten Hospice and Bereavement Partner Support Group would
result in conducting an enhanced medical attention for the treatment of cancer coupled with
providing mental support.
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LO3
Introduction
Organisational responses to individual need for additional support are essential as these provide
the basic support to the grieving individuals experiencing SLE in their lives. The impact of these
responses provides them with the initial support to come to terms with the loss of a near one and
develop their normal functioning in the society.
3.1 Analyse possible organisational responses to the need to support individuals
experiencing a significant life event
It is necessary for organisations that provide employment to people experiencing SLE in their
lives. The support received from their employers would be beneficial for the individuals in
returning to their regular job role in case they overcome the negative aspects of SLEs.
Communication and informed choices between the employers and employees play a definite role
in organisational response regarding the type of SLE the employees experience in their lives. The
confidentiality of issues employees may be experiencing is essential for the employer to maintain
while providing support to the workers who are experiencing a certain form of SLE that is
affecting their work performance as well.
It was observed in case of Sue and Tom that Sue’s employer provided her with 4 weeks of
unpaid leave and flexible working hours, which she refused as Sue wanted to spend every
moment with her ailing daughter. Considering the findings acquired by Kurtessis et al. (2017), it
can be stated that the management needs to form better communication bonds with their
employees in order to provide necessary support to the employees. The employers need to
implement better policies of support packages and bereavement policies for the employees who
experience SLE in their lives. The formation of a critical response team within the organisation
to help individuals experiencing SLE would prove beneficial for the employees to gather support
from the professional workplace during a SLE.
The organisational responses would provide the institutions with lower employee turnover rate,
as they would be able to communicate with their employees better in recognising their specific
needs and emotional support during the experience of SLE in their lives. Proper debriefing
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