Supports of Local Communities for Families Who Had Experienced the Death of a Loved One

Abstract

Objectives: We inquired into and described the support of local communities for families who had experienced a loved one’s death.

Methods: Data came from semi-structured interview for qualitative descriptive research; participants comprised locally active persons in city ‘A’ who had consulted or provided support regarding a neighbor’s death, or were publicly employed. A content analysis of the interview was performed.

Results: Thirteen individuals, mean age 69.7 years, participated. Support of local communities for families who had experienced a loved one’s death were: “create relationships in a local community so they can ask one another for help”; “interacting with others hoping for their happiness”. Then, they supported a family from patient’s daily life to one’s death: “support a family caring for a patient” ; “support a family left behind when the patient passes”. Support provided shortly after someone’s death included: “look after the families and lives after loss”; “take feelings into consideration when interacting with the family.”

Discussion: In local communities, the long-term neighborhood relationship transforms into one based on trust and interaction, allowing people to look out for each other after a neighbor’s death. Connections are forged as people watch out for their neighbors during the patient’s illness and funeral. In the future, it is important to engage key persons involved in citizens’ and community activities and ask them to assist in the edification and nurturing of a community that supports neighbors during the loss of a loved one.