The goals of the Homeland Hospice Bereavement Program are about providing the highest quality care and always include:

• Supporting the patient and family through the dying process
• Developing coping abilities in the grieving process
• Strengthening family support systems • Individual and group support
• Education materials, referrals, and other support information
• Getting back to routine daily activities

• Enhance understanding of grief
• Learn healthy coping skills
• Share feelings with others who are experiencing loss

Most people gradually adjust with the help of information, emotional support, and time. Bereavement services also help families who have been intensely connected with hospice team members during the period of caring for their loved one. Support and encouragement continue to be offered through the various bereavement services and with the help of family and friends.

Assistance can be provided with referrals to counselors, clergy, and community resources if additional follow-up is needed.

Bereavement services are a condition of participation for any Medicare-certified hospice program. These services are an important part of providing care and helping loved ones cope with their loss long after the patient’s passing. The Homeland Hospice Bereavement Program provides:

• Assessment of likely complications in the grief process
• 13 months of follow-up
• Literature about the grief process by mail
• Telephone contact by the Bereavement Coordinator
• Visits when needed
• Grief support groups
• Memorial services
• Bereavement literature and books from our lending library
• Grief education programs for civic groups and churches
• In-services for healthcare professionals