Bereavement Support to Cope with the Loss of Loved Ones

Losing a loved one is one of the most stressful life events. After the death of a close friend or family member, most people go through a period of bereavement, which literally means to be deprived of someone or something. When a death occurs, it’s normal to experience a wide range of emotions such as anger, denial, shock, disbelief, confusion, and sadness. Death is a part of the human experience, but this doesn’t make it any easier.

Death is a part of the human experience, but this doesn’t make it any easier.

Bereavement support services can be key to your recovery and acceptance of the loss. Not only are there professional support services available, but also family members, friends, support groups, community organizations, and mental health professionals can aid in your healing. Keep in mind that the grief process is personal. Everyone grieves in their own way, on their own time.

What are Bereavement Support Services? How Can They Help?

Grief and loss services, or bereavement services, help family members and loved one’s process emotions in the first weeks and months following a death. They do an excellent job of helping people navigate their feelings and emotions so that they can heal and function in their lives. Grief generally presents itself in five stages: Denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.

Typically, bereavement services are provided from the time of hospice admission up to 13 months following the person’s death. Examples of the services you may receive during this time are:

• Assessing family strengths and challenges
• Addressing concerns associated with grief and loss
• Making phone calls and home visits
• Identifying support groups in your local area
• Providing written materials (cards, letters)
• Referring families to additional services, like counseling or therapy

Is Bereavement Support Necessary When Coping with the Loss of a Loved One?

Bereavement care is integral to hospice and the weeks and months following a loved one’s passing. Even if you are typically a private person, it’s important to open yourself up to using these services. They are not intended to infringe on your healing but rather help you cope better and feel less isolated.

While your friends and family sympathize with you, they may not be able to empathize. Bereavement services are tailored to your needs and the type of loss you suffered, whether it was losing your mom to heart disease, your spouse to suicide, or your child to terminal illness. Each experience has unique issues related to grieving, such as lifestyle changes, anger, loneliness, and more.

Grief Counseling and Bereavement Support in New Jersey

VNA Health Group offers bereavement and grief counseling services for the family members of hospice patients. We understand the grieving process and the many forms it can take. Pastoral care members and social workers lead our team.

Our grief services are offered during hospice and 13 months after your loved one’s death. They respect all spiritual and emotional needs as well. Contact us today to learn more about our bereavement services in New Jersey and how they support you and your loved ones during this difficult time.