Understanding grief and bereavement - before and after loss – with support from Palliative Care Connect
An article written by Amber Bisset, Mariana Ricci and Kate Swetenham, Palliative Care Connect, SA Health
Death and loss are part of life, yet they can be difficult topics to talk about openly. Grief doesn’t follow a predictable pattern or timeline, and it doesn’t look the same for everyone. When experiences around loss feel confusing or hard to carry, support is available. Palliative Care Connect (PCC) provides free, statewide assistance to understand and navigate grief and bereavement.
There are different ways to describe experiences around loss. Grief refers to the response to loss, the thoughts, emotions and reactions that can arise after someone important has died, or when a loss is anticipated. Bereavement describes the longer process of living with that loss and adjusting to life afterwards.
Grief and bereavement can be experienced in different ways. They may be felt emotionally, physically, or socially. At certain points, such as anniversaries or everyday moments that bring memories to mind, loss may feel more noticeable, reflecting how it remains part of life.
When this happens, people may choose to sit with what they’re feeling or talk it through with someone they trust. Sometimes it gets too hard and specialised support may be required, including help for children, family members or friends. PCC will listen, help people explore local options for grief or bereavement support, share resources to help people manage how they are feeling, and identify links to services that can assist in the short or medium-term.
How bereavement navigation can help
Grief support isn’t one-size-fits-all. People differ in when they want support, how much they want, and what form feels right. Some seek connection or structure early on, while others only reach out later or at specific moments. Support can look like formal guidance, informal companionship, practical information, or simply space to talk, these needs often shift over time.
Questions like “Is this normal?”, “Is this still grief?” or “Do I need help with this?” can arise without clear answers. People don’t need to be in crisis to reach out.
PCC Navigators are nurses and allied health professionals with experience in palliative care, grief and bereavement. They work alongside clients, offering a calm and supportive place to talk things through.
PCC Navigators can:
- listen and help people understand what they are feeling
- talk through concerns, including what feels most challenging
- share clear information and helpful resources about grief and bereavement
- identify relevant local support options
- connect people with counselling, groups, or other resources, when helpful.
People don’t need a referral or a clear plan to make contact. Sometimes beginning with a conversation is enough.
What we're hearing from people who contact PCC
“Many years ago, I went to a psychologist. The support [from the Navigator] was different to psychology. Because she was a specialist in bereavement, she was able to put words to things. She could explain what my brain was doing. I was madly writing notes; she provided really valuable take aways.” - Client
"I felt relieved knowing the Navigator understood my grief and could connect me with the right support. Her guidance is helping me work through my grief and find peace.” - Client
Grief and bereavement are not problems to solve. They are experiences people live with in different ways and at different times. Support doesn’t change the reality of loss, but it can make navigating it feel easier.
Call 1800 725 548 (PALLI8) or visit www.palliativecareconnect.com.au.
Authors
Amber Bisset
Project Officer, Health Services Programs
Clinical System Support and Improvement, SA Health
Mariana Ricci
Manager – End of Life Care, Health Services Programs
Clinical System Support and Improvement, SA Health
Kate Swetenham
Director of Nursing - End of Life Care, Health Services Programs
Clinical System Support and Improvement, SA Health