Bereavement Services
After a patient’s death, Hospice provides specialized grief support services to help loved ones cope with their loss. These services are provided as part of Hospice care for at least a year following the patient’s death. Some of these services include:
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Initial visit by Bereavement Coordinator
Initial visit by Bereavement Coordinator•Quarterly bereavement contacts with monthly mailings
Quarterly bereavement contacts with monthly mailings•Grief education and counseling
Grief education and counseling•Monthly support groups for adults
Monthly support groups for adults•Social support group gatherings
Social support group gatherings•Grief classes and seminars
Grief classes and seminars•Grief camp for children and school support
Grief camp for children and school support•Yearly remembrance service
Yearly remembrance service•Access to a variety of materials through our library and resources
Access to a variety of materials through our library and resources
We know that the death of a loved one can be a traumatic, difficult experience. Even when the death is anticipated, and the person was ill, it is still never expected. Learning to adjust to life after this experience is challenging. Our team of bereavement professionals will be “walking with” families at this time, teaching them about normal grief, answering questions, staying in touch.
The Bereavement Counselor facilitates and oversees the bereavement services provided. The bereavement team includes the Bereavement Coordinator, the Social Worker, the Chaplain, and Patient/Family Volunteer.
A team member, usually the Bereavement Counselor, calls the caregiver within two weeks following the patient’s death and asks to set up a time to visit. Routine follow-up is then done at three, six, nine, and 12-month intervals after the death. The caregiver will also receive information about our support groups, individual counseling opportunities, and other materials to provide support and encouragement. Our grief support groups are offered two to three times a month. We also hold an annual Children’s Grief Camp for ages 6-17 that have experienced a significant loss of a loved one.
Bereavement services are optional; however, even if you do not desire visits or wish to participate in the support groups, you may appreciate the monthly newsletter. If you decline services initially, you may change your mind later by calling the office and asking to be added back to the list. Please keep in mind that shortly after a loved one’s death, some people feel that they are doing well but find that months later things may get rough. So, before deciding to decline bereavement follow-up, it may be a good idea to wait a few months.
Bereavement services are available free of charge to our family members, as well as members of the community with the exception of our Children’s Grief Camp, where a small fee is charged to cover the cost of materials. Scholarships are available for those in need. Interested individuals should speak to the Bereavement Counselor.
Grief Support Services
