Bereavement

In the days following a loved one’s passing, your energy goes into honoring their life. While you make arrangements and plan a service, there are hugs, home-cooked meals, and check-ins from friends and family. But once the funeral is over and life moves forward for everyone else, the support can start to fade. Suddenly, you’re left in a quiet space that feels heavier than before. This is often when grief hits the hardest.

Grief support groups can help carry you through that silence. Whether in person or online, these groups connect you with others who truly understand, offering a place to talk and listen. Residential Hospice offers grief support services online or in person at no cost to families, caregivers, and anyone who is navigating the pain of loss.

What is a Grief Support Group?

A grief support group brings people together who are navigating loss. Whether you’ve lost a spouse, parent, child, or close friend, these groups offer a safe and welcoming space to share your story.

There is no right or wrong way to grieve, and you don’t have to face it alone. Support groups are led by trained facilitators or counselors who understand the grieving process. They help guide conversations and create an environment where everyone feels heard.

Some groups meet in person, while others are virtual, making it easier to find something that fits your schedule and comfort level. Residential Hospice provides free virtual support groups as well as in-person options in Elmhurst, IL, Arlington Heights, IL, and Plainfield, IL.

Easing into Support: How to Join a Grief Support Group

We know that joining a grief support group for the first time can feel intimidating. What will you say? Will people expect you to share right away? Will you be the only one feeling overwhelmed?

These are common concerns, but it’s important to remember that everyone is there for the same reason, and there’s no right or wrong way to participate. You can listen quietly or speak when you’re ready. You’re never forced to share more than you’re comfortable with. And you’re certainly not alone. Residential Hospice offers free online grief support groups, as well as in-person grief support groups that are made to be warm, inclusive, and judgment-free.

How Grief Support Groups Help Healing

Everyone’s grief is different, but many people share common struggles like feeling isolated, overwhelmed, and unsure of how to navigate daily life after loss. Grief support groups can help by:

Reducing feelings of isolation
Normalizing your emotions
Encouraging healthy coping
Offering steady support

Find a Grief Support Group Near You

If you’re searching for a “grief support group near me” or curious about whether joining a group might help, we encourage you to reach out. Residential offers free, accessible grief support groups both online and in person for anyone who needs it, whether or not you’ve had a loved one in our care.

Remember, there’s no timeline for healing. With the right support, you can move forward at your own pace with people who understand where you’ve been and want to walk beside you where you’re going. Find a grief support group or get in touch with us today to learn more about Residential Hospice’s grief support services.

Bereavement

Bereavement December 19, 2024

Although the holiday season is often filled with joy, celebration, and togetherness, it can feel overwhelming and lonely for those grieving the loss of a loved one. If you’re struggling with grief during the holidays, know you’re not alone. Our bereavement team has gathered some strategies to help you navigate grief during the holiday season.

Why Holiday Are Difficult for Individuals Who Are Grieving

The holidays can be especially challenging for individuals who have recently lost a loved one for several reasons, including:

Traditions and Memories
Social Obligations
Sense of Loneliness
Disruption of Daily Routine

Tips for Coping with Grief During the Holiday Season

Grieving during the holidays can be difficult but there are ways to take care of yourself and find comfort during this time. Here are some ways to help cope with grief during this season:

Plan Ahead: Plan your holiday activities ahead to know where you will be and how you’ll spend your time. This can reduce stress and help you set realistic expectations, allowing you to prioritize self-care and avoid feeling overwhelmed by social obligations.
Light a Candle in Memory of Your Loved One: Lighting a candle in memory of your loved one can be a simple yet meaningful gesture. Place the candle in a special place and light it at a time that feels significant to you during the holiday season.
Write a Letter to Your Loved One: Writing a letter to your lost loved one can be a therapeutic way to express your feelings. You can keep the letter in a special place or even bring it to their memorial site to honor their memory.
Decorate Their Memorial Site: Consider decorating your loved one’s memorial site with holiday decorations like flowers, garlands, ribbons, evergreen branches, or a wreath. This can be a beautiful way to celebrate their life and bring some warmth to the season.
Make a Donation in Their Memory: Donating to a cause or charity that was important to your loved one, like a hospice foundation, is a meaningful way to honor their life. This act of giving can bring comfort and provide a sense of purpose during the holiday season.
Read a Book: Reading about grief can offer valuable insight, comfort, and a sense of validation. Find books or articles that resonate with your emotions and provide helpful guidance as you navigate your journey of healing.
Practice Self-Care: Grief can take a toll on both your emotional and physical well-being. Be sure to practice self-care by taking time for yourself. Engage in activities that bring you comfort, such as meditation, taking a warm bath, or spending time in nature.

Holiday Grief Reading Resources

Reading can be a valuable tool for coping. Here are some resources to help guide you through this difficult time:

Find Comfort and Healing During the Holidays with Residential Hospice

The holiday season can be difficult when you’re grieving, but it’s important to remember that healing is a process, and it’s okay to feel the weight of your emotions. By acknowledging your grief and finding ways to honor your loved one, you can create space for both mourning and moments of peace. Lean on others and seek support when you need it. You’re not alone in this journey. If you need someone to talk to, the Residential Hospice bereavement team is here to offer support and resources.

Bereavement

The best time to make healthcare decisions is before a medical emergency happens.

When someone you love has a chronic illness, you want answers. What options for care are there? What can you expect? How can you prepare? How can we discuss issues with the family?

Journey is a free service for patients currently on our Home Health care service. Our Journey Counselors are patient advocates who provide guidance on available care options, when it may be time to consider another level of care, advance care planning, and more.

Complete the form to begin a conversation and discover how this unique program can help you get the information you need for mapping your journey.

Connect with a Journey Counselor.