ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses different guidelines that have been proposed as procedures or tasks for caregivers of the bereaved to consider. Several authors have outlined what could be termed tasks for caregivers of the bereaved. Empathic listening allows the caregiver to be with the mourner encouraging the expression of grief and the telling of one's story. To support also means the caregiver gives mourners permission to be temporarily dependent on others, while realizing that this dependence is not permanent or pathological. Encouraging the bereaved relates to movement towards reconciliation. Encouraging means a belief and an attitude that projects hopefulness about the mourner's capacity to achieve reconciliation. Many newly bereaved persons are not familiar with what is normal in grief, particularly when they have no prior experience with loss in their lives. Advocating for the bereaved might also involve providing trusted resources to assist the mourner with financial planning, obtaining social security or veterans' benefits, or assistance with legal matters.
