Hospice Grief and Bereavement Services

Grieving the loss of a loved one is one of life’s most profound challenges. At Three Oaks Hospice, we understand that grief and bereavement are deeply personal experiences that require compassion, guidance and support. Our hospice bereavement services provide caregivers, families and close friends with the resources they need to navigate loss, honor their loved ones and find comfort during this difficult time.

If you or a loved one is seeking hospice grief support, our team is here to help every step of the way.

Connect with our bereavement counselors, chaplains or social workers today to learn more about hospice bereavement care and how we can support you.

What is Grief? Understanding the Journey

Grief is a natural response to loss, yet it can feel overwhelming and isolating. Whether anticipating a loss or dealing with the pain after it happens, understanding grief can make the process less daunting.

Anticipatory Grief: Living in the Past, Present, and Future

Anticipatory grief often occurs when a loved one is in hospice care. Caregivers may experience a mix of emotions as they reflect on the following:

Past: Fondly remembering the impact their loved one has had on their lives.
Present: Facing the reality of their loved one’s decline and managing daily caregiving tasks.
Future: Preparing for life without their loved one and imagining how they’ll cope.

Grief After Loss

After losing a loved one, grief manifests uniquely for each person. There is no “right” way to grieve—only what feels right for you. The loss of a loved one can bring an overwhelming range of emotions from deep sadness to moments of disbelief or even numbness. It’s a journey that requires patience and compassion for yourself as every experience of grief is deeply personal.

Grief vs. Mourning

Grief: The internal emotions and thoughts that accompany loss.
Mourning: How you outwardly express those feelings through actions like ceremonies or rituals.

Timelines for Grief

Grief doesn’t follow a set timeline. Some feel its weight immediately while others may take weeks or months to process their emotions. For many, anticipatory grief—a sense of mourning that begins before the loss occurs—may have already started prior to the hospice admission. This type of grief often brings its own unique challenges, blending sorrow with the responsibility of caregiving. At Three Oaks Hospice we understand these complexities and can begin providing grief services immediately for anyone in need, offering a compassionate space to navigate these emotions and find support.

Don’t wait to seek the support you need. Contact Three Oaks Hospice to connect with our hospice grief resources today.

Navigating Loss: Your Personal Grief Journey

Grief is a deeply personal experience and everyone’s journey is unique. Understanding the physical and emotional effects can help you navigate the process with compassion for yourself.

Physical Effects of Grief

Fatigue or lack of energy.
Appetite changes.
Difficulty concentrating or sleeping.

Emotional Effects of Grief

Feelings of sadness, anger, guilt or numbness.
Overwhelmed emotionally that ebbs and flows unexpectedly.

Expressing Your Grief in Meaningful Ways

Finding ways to process grief can help ease the burden and provide healing. Consider:

Journaling: Write about your feelings or compose a letter to your loved one.
Memory Keepsakes: Create a photo album or scrapbook to honor their legacy.
Spiritual Practices: Engage in meditation, prayer, or other faith-based rituals.
Support Groups: Share your journey with others who understand.

Remembering Your Loved One

Honoring a loved one’s memory can bring solace and keep their legacy alive.

Plant a Memorial Garden: Dedicate a space to nurture in their memory.
Annual Celebrations: Commemorate their life on special anniversaries.
Memory Boxes: Preserve cherished belongings in a keepsake box.

Comprehensive Hospice Bereavement Services

At Three Oaks Hospice, we are dedicated to providing tailored grief and bereavement support to meet your needs.

Services Available:

Individual Counseling: Sessions are available via home visits, phone calls or virtual platforms.
13 Months of Bereavement Support: Continued guidance throughout the first year after loss.
E-Bereavement Services: This support is designed to meet you where you are and is especially helpful if you live outside our service area.
Monthly Supportive Letters: Gentle reminders that you’re not alone.
Support Groups: Opportunities to connect with others in similar situations.

Disclaimer:
Please note this is not a professional counseling service. However, we can provide a list of professional counselors if needed.

Finding Comfort Through Hospice Grief Resources

Grief can feel like an insurmountable weight but you don’t have to carry it alone. Three Oaks Hospice offers compassionate hospice bereavement care to help you and your family navigate the complexities of loss. Whether you need guidance in the early days of anticipatory grief or ongoing support after a loved one’s passing, our team is here for you.