Bereavement is defined as the objective state of shock and overwhelming sadness due to a significant loss. At Hospice of the Pines, we are here to support our patients, families and our community with the difficult experiences of grief and loss. Our bereavement counselors consider it a privilege to come along side both the dying and their loved ones, offering companionship, compassion, guidance and hope for the journey ahead. Most folks are not aware that after hospice cares for the dying, bereavement counselors follow up with their family and friends for up to a year after their death.
Bereavement care addresses the psychological aspects of loss, i.e. denial, powerlessness, anger, bargaining, acceptance, etc. In our goal to strive for excellence in hospice care, all of Hospice of the Pine’s grief support services are facilitated by professionally trained, master’s-level counselors.
The following grief programs help assure the long-term emotional, mental and physical well-being of survivors of all ages by helping individuals adjust to their loss and express their feelings.
Individual & Family Counseling
Grief and death in families affects members in a variety of ways. Relationships and emotions can change so drastically that behavior and communication can be dramatically disrupted. Hospice of the Pine’s bereavement counselors offer guidance, attention and support to patients and hospice survivors within the family system as they work through the grieving and healing process.
Annual Memorial Service
Memorial services provide a time to honor the memory of loved ones and allow closure for Hospice of the Pine’s families, staff and volunteers. This annual service has traditionally been held in the fall at the beautiful and tranquil outdoor setting of Highlands Center for Natural History, and is open to Hospice of the Pine’s survivors and the community.
Adult Living with Loss Support Groups
Hospice of the Pine’s grief support groups offer support and education by helping survivors cope with their emotions, new roles in life and plans for the future. Groups are held at various locations on an ongoing basis and are free and open to community members who have experienced the death of a loved one or other significant losses in their life. Please see our website (put link here) for group times and locations.
Youth & Children’s Services
Both adolescents and children may need additional supportive services to help them cope with both the dying process and the death of a loved one. To meet the special needs of young grievers, Hospice of the Pines offers individual/family counseling and has begun developing programs and groups to offer the local community and school systems.
HOP Website Articles & Educational Features
Please check back to our website for periodic articles and information that will be helpful to both you, your family and friends in learning how to live with loss.
For additional information or if you are in need of any of our grief services/events, please contact a Bereavement Counselor at (928) 632-0111.
