Grief Support

Grief is a journey, and many friends and family members begin this process well before their loved one dies. Bereavement services can begin as early as admission and follow throughout the illness and after death. Our bereavement services, Pathways of Hope^SM, are offered to the community at no charge.

Although it is painful, grief is a normal and natural consequence of our human ability to love and live fully. Painful emotions such as sadness, anxiety, anger and even relief are fairly common. However, grief is more than an emotional experience. It can affect our bodies with physical complaints and fatigue. Complaints about memory and concentration are not uncommon. As with many things in life, there is no right way to grieve. Everyone faces loss and grieves in their own way. We can help friends and family members cope with their feelings and learn to express themselves in a healthy, healing manner.

As time with a loved one becomes increasingly short, many of us struggle with what to say. In his book, “The Four Things That Matter Most,” Ira Byock, MD, writes about the importance of telling those we love how much they mean to us and how using honest, heartfelt words can bring peace of mind. He recommends using these phrases when letting someone know they are loved and will be missed: Please forgive me; I forgive you; Thank you; I love you.