Respond to Loss and Grief 

  • Author: L Kelly
  • Level: Introduction
  • Study time: 1 hour and 2 minutes
Write your awesome label here.
Lesson series
Loss and grief are inevitable parts of life, and for support workers, understanding how to navigate these experiences is crucial. This course explores the many forms of loss, from bereavement to unexpected life changes, and how they impact individuals physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. You’ll learn how to recognise grief responses, provide compassionate support, and apply culturally responsive approaches to help people through their grieving process. By exploring models of grief and holistic strategies for care, you’ll gain the knowledge and tools needed to support both those you care for and yourself in times of loss.

This course is aligned to (US23391)
  • Video time: 1 hour and 2 minutes
  • Quiz: 1
  • Assessment: 1
Lesson series

Why is this course important?

As a support worker, you will encounter loss and grief regularly—whether it's the passing of a client, a major life change, or the emotional challenges faced by those in your care. Grief can present in many ways, and knowing how to provide comfort and guidance is essential. This training equips you with the skills to recognise, respond to, and support individuals through the grieving process while maintaining your own wellbeing. Understanding grief enables you to create a supportive, respectful, and culturally aware environment that fosters healing, resilience, and dignity for those experiencing loss.
Meet the instructor

Leigh Kelly

Leigh Kelly is a New Zealand Registered Nurse who has been working with the elderly and disabled since 1974. Her ADN focused on young physically disabled.

She has been a Charge Nurse at Kenepuru and Greenlane Hospitals Continuing Care Wards, owned her own dementia specific rest home and worked and managed rest homes.

She also has vast experience as a RN in continuing care facilities. 
Patrick Jones - Course author