Bereavement & Grief Support
Our bereavement program offers personalized bereavement support to patients and all members of the grieving process.
Why Bereavement Support?
In American society today, death has become more of a private matter, rather than a time to cherish a life well lived, and a moment to bring families together to provide comfort and support to each other. We tend to shy away and deny death an a natural part of life. Refusal or inability to accept the passing of a loved one causes immense strain emotionally and physically.
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Following loss, many loved ones try to ignore their pain and portray composure. Our society is slowly beginning to realize the immense emotional impact of grief and loss. The potential for unprocessed loss can lead to mental health issues and other negative outcomes. Hummingbird Hospice offers a variety of bereavement support options to not only Hummingbird families, but anyone dealing with the loss of a loved one.
Individual and Family Counseling
Our professional social workers, bereavement counselors, and chaplains are here to guide our patients and their families during the grieving process. Individual counseling sessions are offered via phone, video, or in-person, and are open to members of the community, as well as those who have lost a loved one at with Hummingbird Hospice.
Our friendly staff can assist you with coordinating services to ensure that you’re ready for what’s ahead.
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Support When You Need it the Most
It’s natural for families and friends to grieve for loved ones who are experiencing a life-limiting illness. The process often begins before death occurs. This is called anticipatory grief. Hummingbird Bereavement Services are available for people who are coping with losing a loved one. Our staff is committed to working closely with families who are going through the grieving process. We provide:​
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Individual and group support sessions
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Printed material to including education on end-of-life care
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Supportive calls to patients and families from caring nurses
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In-home caregiver support and education
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Assistance with memorial services
Dedicated and Experienced
Our support is available to families for up to 13 months following the loss of a loved one. The Bereavement Program at Hummingbird Hospice is an integral part of the interdisciplinary team, setting us apart from other agencies. We employ an entire team of dedicated bereavement staff who work closely with other disciplines to provide each family the unique support they need on their grief journey. People grieve in many different ways and need many different forms of support.
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At Hummingbird, we go above & beyond to give each person the individualized support they deserve, meeting them where they are. Sponsored by Wings of Hope, our Children's Bereavement Program is fundamental in assisting our youth in navigating their way through despair and loss. We partner our sessions with a Parenting After Loss support group which aids parents on suggested techniques on how to reach out to their children who are struggling to cope from the effects of losing a loved one.
Those Who Care
It is difficult to think about who will be the hospice caregiver for you or your loved ones if you are terminally ill at home or at a nursing facility. There is so much medical care that needs to be offered to patients as they near the end of their lives. Caregivers ensure the safety and comfort of patients and loved ones 24/7, and often forego their own self care and needs to be fully available to others. Caregivers can become overwhelmed with stress if they do not properly monitor their personal mental and physical state. Hummingbird Hospice provides a wide array of caregiver educational resources to assist with caring for loved one with a terminal illness. We also provide virtual caregiver support groups to answer questions and assist them in safely finding ways to take moments for themselves and reassure them that they are appreciated, and worthy of accepting help when needed.
Hope After Loss
The death of a loved one is a life-altering experience. While grief is a natural part of the healing process, we recognize that the days, weeks, and months following a profound loss may be incredibly challenging and painful. The grief and bereavement journey is a complex and winding path, unique to each individual. As you navigate this path, you may find it helpful to reach out for support. Along with our skilled counselors and facilitators, we also have trained, caring bereavement volunteers available to provide companionship and comfort to loved ones. Our team is deeply committed to honoring your wishes and guiding you to peace and acceptance. We are here to offer our experience, expertise, and compassionate support. We are here to remind you that you are not alone.
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Our Bereavement Program is funded by donations to Wings of Hope from members of the community. We are immensely grateful for their generosity, compassion, and continued support!
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To learn more about Wings of Hope or to donate, please visit their website at Wings of Hope.