Support & Resources

What is Grief?

Grief is a natural response to loss. When we grieve, we may experience physical, emotional, mental, or social/spiritual reactions. At times, these reactions may feel overwhelming. Everyone experiences grief differently, and it is important to remember there is no right or wrong way to grieve!

 

There are some common reactions to grief after the loss of a loved one. Highlighted are some natural grief reactions you may be facing in your grief:

Physical/Behavioral

Emotional

Mental

Social/Spiritual

Grief Myths & Facts

In addition to natural grief responses, many people struggle with expectations, both our own and from others that we should be “doing better” or “feel better in time”. There are many myths in society about how grief affects us. Here are some myths/facts about grief by James E. Miller:

Myth:

Grief and mourning are sings of you being out of control, especially if they last more than a month or two.

Fact:

Our society is uncomfortable with death, dying and grief. You are a reminder of events and feelings that others are afraid of experiencing themselves. The fact is, expressing your grief outside yourself, giving it expression, is necessary if you want to move forward in your grief journey. Grief lasts as long as it lasts. It is different for everyone.

Myth:

Grief and mourning proceed in predictable and orderly stages

Fact:

While there are commonalities in the bereavement process, each person grieves in their own way, Your grief and your bereavement journey will be unique to you because of the many variables involved. u

Myth:

Move away from grief, not toward your grief.

Fact:

The only way to “get through” grief is to grieve. Attempts to side-step or avoid one’s grief work only results in prolonging the process and setting oneself up for other problems like health, behavioral, spiritual, and/or social issues. Your grief will find a way to express itself.

Myth:

Following the death of your loved one, the goal should be to “get over” your grief.

Fact:

Grief is not something we “get over”, a term that suggests we and our life will go back to “normal”. A significant loss changes us forever. Dr. Alan Wolfelt, a man who has worked with people in mourning for many years, talks rather about “reconciliation”. Reconciliation, he says is what occurs as the person works to integrate the new reality of moving forward in life without the physical presence of the person who has died.

Myth:

Tears are a sign of weakness

Fact:

Crying, as a part of mourning, generates a feeling of helplessness in those around us. Research actually suggests that suppressing tears may increase susceptibility to stress-related disorders. Tears are a part of how the body rids itself of “waste” just like sweating and exhaling. Tears relieve tension and stress.

Bereavement Program at Elara Caring

Bereavement services are a fundamental part of the hospice program. Bereavement is a time of mourning, and grief is the natural process we experience when dealing with the death of a loved one. At Elara Caring, we have a Bereavement Coordinator in each of our service areas dedicated to companioning those in their journey through grief. These coordinators consist of social workers, counselors and chaplains who strive to ensure those who are grieving feel supported.

  • Private grief counseling in your home or your local Elara Caring branch
  • Regular support calls to assist clients in coping with grief
  • Provide mailings designed to provide information and education on the natural grief process
  • Community resource referrals to provide additional support to assist those who would benefit
  • In-person grief support groups and workshops
  • Virtual grief support groups 
  • Memorial Services
  • Family member/caregiver
  • Friend/neighbor/roommate
  • Anyone in the community
  • Professional caregivers/Elara Caring staff

The Bereavement Coordinators at Elara Caring recognize how difficult it can be to reach out for help. If you would benefit from bereavement support, or would like to learn more about our program please contact us at 1.800.379.1600. Elara Caring hospice bereavement services are available at no cost for 13 months.

Child & Teen Grief

Camp Voyage One-Day Family Grief Camp

Camp Voyage is a one-day camp for families with kids ages 6-15 who have experienced the death of a loved one. Come sail with us on a healing journey with friends and fun! Learn more. 

How to Talk with Grieving Children

Children need reassurance when they are grieving that their physical and emotional needs will be met. Children will look to the trusted adults in their lives to shape their grief experience. Here are some guidelines for you to help the grieving child in your life:

Involving Children and Teens in Funeral or Memorial Service

Parents often wonder if a child should attend a funeral or memorial service of a loved one. The most important factor when making this decision is having an open, honest conversation with your child about what the funeral or memorial service will entail. Here are some guidelines when talking with children about the service: 

Grief Resources

We’ve collected an extensive list of books, articles, and online resources related to grief, including resources for children and teens.

Special Message for the Bereaved During COVID-19

The Bereavement Department at Elara Caring Hospice recognizes the complex feelings you may be experiencing during the pandemic. Covid-19 influenced the ability of many of you to see loved ones before they died. Many of you were not able to gather for a funeral or memorial service to say goodbye.  You will not have opportunities to attend grief support groups with the need for social distancing. That means that you may be experiencing a heightened grief response. Grief is a natural process, but during the Covid-19 pandemic, you may be dealing with the aforementioned stressors. Therefore, the Bereavement Team has put together some information we hope you find useful; things you can do for yourselves to help you through these next days and weeks.

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