Proceedings, Oxford, UK (2002) - World Federation of Music Therapy

necessarily allow us the time to prepare adequately or to resolve issues
surrounding the impending death of our loved one. This can be
particularly pertinent when a patient with a terminal illness deteriorates
rapidly following diagnosis (Beresford, 1995).
Involvement in the care and palliation of the deceased
Colvin (1995) suggests that the extent to which family members, and
particularly children and adolescents are informed of the dying process,
and involved in the care of the dying person can have a strong impact on
their adjustment to subsequent bereavement. Knowledge of and
involvement in patient care can empower families to make important
decisions together and potentially encourages open communication and
expression between family members. Conversely, lack of knowledge
about the impending death of a family member and/or exclusion from
patient care can potentially leave family members feeling disempowered
and distanced from one another and the patient, and may result in
feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, with each family member
feeling that they have to cope alone and unsupported in their
bereavement. Whilst involvement in the care of the deceased is not
always possible, such as in the instance of a sudden or unexpected death,
it is still important for family members to be given opportunity to
contribute to bereavement rituals, such as the funeral and memorial
services, and acts such as the scattering of ashes or the choice of a
gravestone or memorial plaque.
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