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Trauma, loss and grief in older people: What do I need to know?

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This resource provides an overview of trauma, loss and grief in older people, particularly in aged care settings. It outlines how these experiences may affect individuals and highlights considerations for those providing care and support.

The factsheet supports trauma informed approaches, helping workers and carers recognise signs of distress and respond in ways that promote safety, dignity and wellbeing.

Benefits for volunteer managers

  • support understanding of trauma, grief and loss in older people
  • employ safe and appropriate support practices
  • support volunteer and client wellbeing in care settings
  • strengthen risk aware and trauma informed approaches.

How to apply this resource

This resource is useful when supporting volunteers in aged care environments, developing trauma informed practices, or strengthening wellbeing and safety approaches in volunteer programs.

Downloads and sources

More about the author

National centre providing research, training and resources to support recovery from trauma and post-traumatic stress.

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