Grief Support

Hospice bereavement services are a vital part of the overall care provided to families and loved ones after the death of a hospice patient. These services are specifically designed to support the emotional and psychological well-being of those who have experienced the loss of a loved one, helping them navigate the difficult journey of grief. As part of the Medicare hospice benefit, family, caregivers and close friends of a hospice patient have access to bereavement care from the time of the patient’s admission until 13 months following the death of the patient.

Here's a breakdown of what hospice bereavement services include:

1. Individual Support: This can include phone calls and in-person visits from trained bereavement counselors or social workers who provide emotional support and guidance during the grieving process.

2. Bereavement Support Groups: Group sessions allow individuals who are grieving to share their experiences with others in a supportive and understanding environment, helping them feel less isolated.

3. Memorial Services: These services provide families an opportunity to honor and remember their loved ones in a community setting, often providing comfort and a sense of closure.

4. Referrals to Community Resources: Hospice services help connect individuals to additional therapeutic and community-based resources, including mental health professionals, support groups, and local grief organizations.

5. Written Materials: Hospice agencies provide helpful materials such as cards, letters, and booklets that offer guidance, coping strategies, and information about the grieving process.

6. Commemorative Activities: Some hospice organizations offer meaningful commemorative activities like tree planting or veterans’ remembrance events to help families honor their loved one’s memory in a special way.

7. Holiday Grief Support: Holidays can be especially difficult after a loss, and bereavement services offer additional support during these challenging times.

8. Grief Education and Support in the Community: Some hospice organizations provide grief education and support to the broader community or institutions like schools, churches, and workplaces to help them better understand grief and support those who are grieving.

Through these services, hospice aims to help survivors process their grief, build resilience, and ultimately find strength as they move forward. It’s about acknowledging that grief is a natural part of life, but with the right support, individuals can heal and grow after loss. Bereavement services are an essential aspect of hospice care, providing much-needed assistance long after the patient has passed away.

Essence Hospice will soon be hosting both in person and online grief support groups. Please check back or contact us for information.