What
is Bereavement Support?
Bereavement (grief) support plays a vital role
in the overall hospice philosophy. Our counselors meet with patients to help them
cope with the variety of emotions they experience as they live with their terminal
illness. These may include anger, sorrow, loss, regret and much more.
Counselors also work closely with a patient's family and caregivers to help them cope and
understand the dying process. They also provide support after the passing of the
loved one, to be a companion during the journey of grief.
Community bereavement support is available
through a variety of free support groups that include:
Life After Loss: For
individuals who have experienced death of a loved one under any circumstance, this group
is offered in six or eight week sessions throughout the year. Meetings are
facilitated by a Northland Hospice counselor who discusses different aspects of grief and
coping techniques. Participation is limited for each session. Daytime and evening
sessions are available. The fall sessions will begin in September.
Life After Suicide: This
specialized group provides support to individuals experiencing loss due to a suicide.
Volunteer facilitators cover general grief topics as well as discuss specific issues
pertaining to grief from a suicide. Through their own experiences and training, the
facilitators provide support and understanding.
TLC (For the Love of a Child):
The heartache of losing a child is something only another parent who has lost a child can
understand. This group meets monthly and covers aspects of grief, ways to cope, ideas
about remembers and honoring your child, and topics of dealing with a grieving family.
Support is provided to parents and families who have experienced the loss of a child
of any age including those suffering loss due to a miscarriage, still-birth, and early
infant death.
Support for Children and Teens: Individual
counseling is available for children and teens of all ages. Our counselors will work with
local schools on an as needed basis to form on-site support groups. Camp Mourning Star is
a one-day children's grief camp that provides a variety of activities for children ages
6-12 to help them express and learn how to cope with the loss of a loved one. Please
contact the Northland Hospice Office at 779-1227 to learn when the next camp is scheduled.
Widowed Person's Support Group:
Providing care, companionship, and activities for individuals who have lost a spouse is
the purpose of this group. Information meetings are held throughout the month in community
locations where members can talk with others in similar situations and find friendship.
Caregiver's Support Group:
This group is for those who find themselves in a caregiving role for a loved one who is
chronically or terminally ill or disabled. It meets the first and third Monday of each
month.
To learn more about these groups or if you are
interested in joining a group, please contact our office at (928) 779-1227 and speak to
one of the counselors to determine the best option.
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