Social work intervention in end of life care

Bereavement, death and dying are phenomena that social workers often deal with in various practice settings. Working with families of terminally ill patients and enabling them to cope better with their life situation is an important social work function. A wide array of professional skills, a mature and realistic attitude towards death and compassion and fortitude in intervention is hence required. This article examines several thanatological aspects and discusses how social work intervention with end of life issues can be rendered with greater professional acumen.