Grief is a universal process. However, each experience is as unique as the individuals themselves. Sometimes people need help and guidance in developing the coping skills to go on with their lives. Other times they just need someplace to talk about their feelings and share their thoughts.

Grief is defined as a deep sorrow or sadness that is a result of bereavement or loss. Because grief is such a personal experience, it is often hard to determine how it will affect someone. For that reason, survivors must give themselves permission to grieve as long as necessary. Sometimes, that means seeking outside help to work through the grief.

Bereavement Support Services are offered to hospice families at no cost. The bereavement care staff includes support service personnel, nurses, home health aides, social workers, and volunteers, who keep in touch with family members, individually or as a group, for a year or longer. They provide contact using home visits, telephone calls, and regularly scheduled support group meetings.

Adult Support Services

Adult bereavement groups are designed to assist participants in their efforts to understand the process of grieving, recognize behaviors brought on by grief, reinforce healthy behaviors to cope with grief, reestablish social activities, and develop a support network.

New Beginnings is a social group of men and women that meets monthly. The goal is to encourage friendship and support in an informal atmosphere.

Suddenly Alone is a support group for both men and women who are experiencing various stages of grief. Coordinated by a bereavement specialist, the group meets periodically throughout the month, which allows the participants the opportunity to share thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a caring and supportive environment.

The Men’s Breakfast Club meets once a month at a local restaurant. This social group offers friendship and fellowship to interested male survivors.

Children’s Support Services

Children are often deeply affected by the loss of a loved one. They experience a wide range of strong emotions that are confusing and frightening. They need a place to go to discuss those feelings openly and honestly.

Our new program, Bright Star, provides a safe and supportive environment where children, teens, and their families grieving the death of a loved one can share their experience. In addition to other activities, we host Camp Bright Star twice a year for children ages 6 – 12 who are experiencing feelings of grief and loss. The camp offers them the opportunity to share their feelings, recognize their loss, and begin to heal. The schedule includes time to get acquainted, arts and crafts, and informal sharing sessions to discover and reinforce their inner resources. There is also a time of remembering that enables the children an opportunity to express their feelings about their loss. Two of the most positive aspects of the camp are that children learn it is normal to talk about feelings and that other kids may be having the same feelings.

For more information

For more information on Bereavement Support Services at Hospice of Health First, Inc., call (321) 952-0494 or drop by one of the hospice locations:

• 1900 Dairy Road, West Melbourne, Florida 32904
• 200 S. Courtenay Parkway, Merritt Island, FL 32952