Grief Support
Help After A Loss
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal”. ~An Irish saying
Grief is a normal and natural, though often painful, response to loss. The more significant the loss, the more intense the grief is likely to be.
Each individual experiences and expresses grief differently. For example, one person may withdraw and feel helpless, while another might be angry and want to take some action. No matter what the reaction, the grieving person may benefit from the support of others.
What is Grief Support?
Grief (or bereavement) support plays a vital role in the overall hospice philosophy. While our hospice team supports and cares for the patient, the grief counselors at Hospice & Palliative Care of Northeastern Illinois continue to care for the family as they work through the grief process. Licensed counselors work closely with the patient’s family and caregivers to help them discover healthy ways to cope with loss and provide support after the passing of a loved one, to be a companion during the journey of grief.
There are no simple answers, of course, but they will help through compassionate listening, emotional support and grief education, privately or in group sessions, all in confidence.
Grief Support Services at Hospice & Palliative Care of Northeastern Illinois
Family members of hospice patients may receive support from our grief staff for up to 13 months after a loss, through:
- Individual grief assessments and counseling
- Phone, mail and/or email contact at regular intervals after a loss
- Education about the grief process and coping skills
- Memorial services
- Support groups for adults and children
- Remember U, a monthly grief support program for children, teens and their parents/guardians
- Camp Courage, summer day camp for children ages 6-13 who have experienced a loss. Scheduled this year, Monday, July 9-Friday, July 13
- Referrals for professional and community resources as needed
- Assistance in accessing community resources if needed
The grief process is different for everyone and there is no “right way” to grieve. However, increasing your understanding of the natural grief and mourning process may make life more manageable.
Our grief support services are available to our hospice families, as well as to the community, and help people make this transition and adjust to their new life.
Please call us at 224-770-CARE or e-mail our grief counselors at bereavement@hospiceanswers.org.
