GRIEF AND BEREAVEMENT SERVICES

Grief is a natural and normal reaction to a loss of any kind. Grief is not an option, but a necessity in life’s changing journey.  There may be complications that do not allow a safe place for the bereaved to receive the comfort and understanding they need. You may assume the support of family members, friends or church members you have    received in the past will be all you had needed to move through this loss.   Many report that due to their own unique grief process, coping styles or lack of grief experience they are not prepared to support you in the way you most need.

CLICK HERE to download our "GRIEF & THE HOLIDAYS" newsletter

CLICK HERE to download our "INITIAL GRIEF" newsletter

Each persons grief need are unique.  No one else has had the same relationship you had with the person who died.  No one had the same experiences, challenges or hopes and dreams you had with and for this person.  Everyone experience the physical, emotional, spiritual and mental challenges of grief at different times and in different ways. Hospice of the Golden Isles has developed a variety of support systems to help families and friends work through this grieving process and to supplement the support and education you may need to move through your grief.

Grief and bereavement support starts on admission.  It is available to the patient, their family and friends from our whole team of dedicated professionals. Our doctors, nurses, chaplains, social workers, bereavement coordinator and volunteers are trained to listen to the story that brought you to this place and the challenges you face.  Our grief and bereavement services are provided for 13 months to family and friends after the death of a hospice patient.  They are available for 2 years after the death of a child. Grief support is made available in a variety of ways because each person’s grief is unique.  Although our services are designed specifically for those bereaved in hospice, anyone who is bereaved in the community may participate in these services.  We have designed a program that will meet many bereavement needs, and we are available for individual and family consultations.

Education About Grief 

Most people have the family and community support they need to move in a healthy way through their grief.  Our bereaved clients have taught us that education about what to expect in the first year after the death of someone they love is helpful.  We strive to keep in contact with bereaved families on a regular basis by mail.  The letters and grief resources we send will include information about grief, local opportunities for support and printed books or internet resources that might help guide you in helping yourself and those around you.  If you are not on our mailing list and would like to be, just call the bereavement line, we will return your call and add you to the mailing list.