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During the pandemic two thirds of bereaved people report experiencing social isolation & loneliness
Created: 15/09/2021New research shows the impact of grief during the pandemic as two-thirds of bereaved people report experiencing social isolation and loneliness. Those bereaved due to COVID-19 were also less likely to be involved in care decisions and be well supported by healthcare professionals after the death of their loved one.
The research which has been carried out by the University of Bristol and Cardiff University's Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Centre found that participants reported high levels of challenges relating to bereavement during the pandemic with the three most common being restricted funeral arrangements (93 per cent), limited contact with other close relatives or friends (81 per cent) and experiencing social isolation and loneliness (67 per cent).
When deaths were unexpected rather than expected, such as many COVID-19 deaths, the bereaved person was less likely to be involved in care decisions. Almost half (48 per cent) of participants reported that a healthcare or other care professional had not provided information about bereavement support services, even though this would have been relevant to them.