Bereavement Services

“To grieve alone is to suffer most.” from The Talmud

Most grief-stricken people discover that it helps to have at least one person hear their pain. Even though no listener can eliminate the need for grief and mourning, survivors can better move toward reconciliation of their pain when they feel understood.

RAH offers this help to all who are experiencing grief--including those who have not been involved with Hospice before death or loss.

Bereavement care is provided at NO CHARGE to you.

GRIEF IS…

A natural reaction to any kind of loss
Emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual
Expected when we lose our attachments in life
Necessary, natural, and normal
Not measured in time
Unique for each individual

NEEDS RELATED TO GRIEF ARE…

Accept your grief – see your loss as real and accept it as a part of life.
Reflect on your grief – do not let people tell you to put your grief out of your mind – you cannot. Express your grief – sadness, anger, fear and confusion are normal, healthy responses when you lose someone you love.
Share your grief – you need to talk about your loss and receive support from others.

MOST PEOPLE WHO SUFFER A LOSS SOMETIMES…

Feel calm one minute and in panic and turmoil the next.
Develop physical symptoms of chest pains, digestive problems, difficulty breathing, etc.
Sense the loved one’s presence, believe they see the person, hear the voice, and expect him or her to come back.
Feel very angry with their loved one for leaving them, disappointing them, and for dying.
Feel guilty over what they said or didn’t say or do during their relationship with the person.
Cry at unexpected times and have difficulty stopping.
Feel helpless, empty, irritable and/or tired much of the time.
Feel as if they are going crazy.
Need to repeatedly talk about the life and death of the loved one.

PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT
Is available from skilled social workers for patients and families admitted to our program. A single one-on-one session for referral is also available to the community at large.

LENDING LIBRARY
Including assorted books, tapes, and videos to offer you the chance to learn about the process of grief on your own. (Many other related topics are available as well.)

COMMUNITY EDUCATION
Is available to all ages and in most settings. From staff meetings to classrooms, our trained staff and volunteers present programs to your business, class or organization.

SUPPORT FOR SCHOOLS
Gives school administrators and guidance counselors help in providing information about loss to individual students and staff.

It is very important for you to express your feelings. Call us if you would like to express your grief in a nurturing environment.

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUPS
Are available for anyone for the purpose of sharing your loss with others who are working through their own grief. Groups provide emotional support during these difficult times.

PARTICIPANTS SAY
“You don’t feel as if you are alone with your grief. There are others besides you that you can share with.” “It’s nice knowing that the feelings I’m having are normal and that I am not alone.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Call our Bereavement Coordinator at (540) 463-1848.