Bereavement Support Services

The Grief Experience

Grief is a universal experience that touches everyone at some point along life’s journey. It is a normal and natural response to loss and the changes it brings. Whether it be through the death of a loved one, friend or pet, a divorce or the loss of a job, we are exposed to the pounding waves of change that ultimately reshape our lives.

What’s “Normal”?

The following “symptoms” of grief are very normal reactions to the reality of loss:

• Feeling unusually tired, a tightness in the throat or chest, an empty feeling in the stomach and a loss of appetite

• Feeling restless and difficulty sleeping

• Feeling that the loss is not real, that it did not actually happen

• Sensing the loved one’s presence by hearing his voice or seeing her face

• Feeling remorse, guilt, anger and/or relief

• Crying at unexpected times

• Experiencing guilt when feeling “good”

• Feeling angry with God, questioning spiritual beliefs and values

While the grief experience can be very lonely and confusing, it can also be a time of self-discovery and growth. This is why it is important for people to grieve in a healthy way – a way that empowers them to confront their pain and embrace the challenge of reclaiming their joy.

Hospice & Palliative Care of Greater Wayne County provides a comprehensive program of compassionate care for all individuals experiencing the impact of serious illness and loss.

Bereavement Support Services are an extension of the hospice philosophy which encompasses the entire family as a unit of care. Supportive services are offered to hospice families and individuals in the community to help them cope with the loss of a loved one.

All services are offered at no cost.

For more information on support groups, please call the Hospice office and ask for our Bereavement Coordinator:

          Toll-free: 800-884-6547

          Wooster Office:  330-264-4899

          Wadsworth Office:  330-336-6595

 Office hours are Monday - Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

A Wide Range of Resources

Hospice & Palliative Care of Greater Wayne County offers a variety of support services to assist both hospice families and individuals in the community in their grief recovery. Resources include:

Mailings

“Caring for the Journey” is our Hospice’s monthly newsletter which provides grief education and information about upcoming opportunities for support.

Support Groups

“Hope for the Journey” is our six-session grief education and support program for adults who have experienced loss.

A variety of specialized support groups are offered throughout the year, such as:

• a support group for parents who have lost a child

• a support group series for those grieving the death of one or both parents

• a special group series for those dealing with the pain of suicide

• support group for elementary age children to explore and share their feelings about loss

• a program specifically designed to be used in the schools as a way of helping teens deal with their grief

Individual Counseling

Personal grief counseling services are available for individuals upon request.

Workshops

Workshops are offered throughout the year to help professionals better understand and respond to the needs of grieving people. The workshops target professionals, such as clergy, counselors, educators, school administrators, health care providers, business owners and managers.

Social Group

Individuals meeting at The Barn on the third Tuesday of each month at 4:00 PM to socialize and continue with their bereavement support services.

Preparing for the Holidays

Every year as the holidays approach, we offer a workshop that focuses on the anticipation and expectations which can make the holidays difficult for those who are grieving.

Each year we invite the community to celebrate the holiday season by participating in the “Lights of Remembrance” project celebrated in various local communities.

The Margaret Wilkes Lending Library

The library provides a variety of resources on grief and bereavement, as well as death and dying.

Semi-Annual Memorial Services

Twice a year we honor all those served by Hospice in the previous six months. These non-denominational services focus on the celebration of life.

Community Education

Speakers are available to make presentations on topics related to death, dying, grief and bereavement.