Holidays can be difficult for those who have lost a loved one, particularly for those facing the holiday season for the first time without that loved one. Grieving can begin before families gather for holiday festivities and can linger afterwards. State of the Heart Hospice is offering help to those grieving during the holidays.
“The sessions are for those adults who need some help getting through the holidays as well as for those who have lingering feelings of grief after the festivities are over,” stated Marlene Black, bereavement specialist for State of the Heart. The nonprofit agency is offering the support groups at each of the agency’s three offices.
In Greenville, State of the Heart will offer two grief support sessions; each is from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Greenville office, 1350 N. Broadway. The first session is Tuesday, December 10 and the second session is Tuesday, January 14. No registration is required to attend the sessions which are free and are open to anyone who needs help with grief, regardless of association with hospice care. There will be refreshments served for those attending and there will be time to discuss individual grief concerns
The State of the Heart bereavement team which includes social workers, bereavement specialists, music therapists and chaplains will conduct these helpful sessions, Black explained.
She said that the sessions prior to Christmas and New Years will provide helpful suggestions for those attending to cope with the holidays. “We will give them ideas about how they can remember and honor their loved one in a special way,” Black said. “We will give them a variety of tips to support healthy grieving through the holiday season.”
She added that State of the Heart bereavement staff realized that many have grief issues after the holidays are over and family and friends go about their daily routines. Dark, gloomy days of winter can add to the feelings of loss. “That is why we have added January sessions, to help those who need the post-holiday support,” she said.
With offices in Greenville, Coldwater and Portland, State of the Heart cares for patients and families in eastern Indiana and western Ohio who are confronting a life limiting illness. Bereavement support for both adults and children is an important part of the service provided by the agency. If you would like to speak with a member of the State of the Heart bereavement team about grief and loss issues, call 1-800-417-7535 and ask to speak to a member of the bereavement team. Visit the agency web site at www.stateoftheheartcare.org.
