Grief Support

Arkansas Hospice is committed to helping families find hope and healing through the challenges that come at life’s end. This includes grief support, both prior to and following a death. Grief is experienced differently for each person. It is a process that takes time. It cannot be rushed, but it can be nurtured. The Arkansas Hospice team walks beside patients and families on this difficult journey. Chaplains and social workers address emotional and spiritual needs, and assist in the transition from hospice care to grief support.

Grief support, sometimes referred to as bereavement services, is provided to our hospice families and to those in the community. Bereavement specialists offer opportunities for hope and healing for up to 13 months with such activities as telephone calls, individual grief support, correspondence, grief and loss education, annual memorial services and healthy coping strategies. Special emphasis is given to children and adolescents and to the adults who care for them.

Individuals who are adjusting to life following loss can participate in Transitions Grief Support Groups or have help with referrals to outside resources, when needed.

Speaking of Grief

Launching April 1st, “Speaking of Grief” is a monthly podcast hosted by our team of bereavement specialists. Episodes feature candid conversations about how everyone’s journey of grief is unique to them, along with help for the listener to navigate through loss.

Together in Spirit

Please join us for “Together in Spirit, a virtual celebration of life” to honor our Arkansas Hospice patients and families. This special presentation features meaningful music, images, poetry, a special candle-lighting ceremony and a message of hope.

Covid-19 Update Regarding Bereavement and Grief Support

Because of social distancing, our traditional in-person support groups are on hold. However, as a community service, Arkansas Hospice is providing grief support through other means, including phone calls, emails and online grief support. These services are available free of charge to the general public as well as the families of Arkansas Hospice patients. To learn more, please click here.

Comfort for All

Please note: Because of social distancing, our traditional in-person support groups are on hold. For information about grief support through other means, please click here.

Arkansas Hospice provides grief support not only for the families of our patients, but also for the community at large – regardless if the loss was an Arkansas Hospice patient or not. Services are available to anyone who would like to participate in our organized programs, and are available free of charge. Transitions Grief Support Groups meet monthly to allow those facing grief and loss to join others coping with the same challenges. Life after loss need not be faced alone. We are here to help. Refer to the following list to find the office nearest you and call for more information to learn how you can begin your journey of hope and healing.

North Little Rock: Transitions Grief Support Group (501) 748-3342 or (877)713-2348

Little Rock – The Lunch Bunch: A bereavement group for those who have experienced death more than six months ago. (501) 748-3393 or (877)713-2348

Batesville: Transitions Grief Support Group (501) 748-3342 or (877) 713-2348

Berryville: Transitions Grief Support Group (870) 423-6078 or (844) 292-6078

Conway: Transitions Grief Support Group (501) 328-5400 or (888) 879-5401

Hot Springs: Transitions Grief Support Group (501) 318-9992 or (888) 818-9992

Monticello: Transitions Grief Support Group (501) 748-3424 or (877) 713-2348

Pine Bluff: Transitions Grief Support Group (501) 748-3393 or (877) 713-2348

Rogers: Transitions Grief Support Group (479) 621-6900 or (833) 620-6900

Russellville: Transitions Grief Support Group (479) 498-2050 or (888) 498-2050

Searcy: Transitions Grief Support Group/Coffee and Conversation (501) 748-3422 or (877) 713-2348

Grief Support for Children and Teens

Coping with death can be difficult for children and teenagers. As a community service, Arkansas Hospice’s Hope & Healing 4 Kids Program presents “Grief Relief: Art for the Heart” workshops for children, teens and parents.

To learn more about these workshops, please email sbrock@arkansashospice.org.

Christie’s corner

These special grief libraries provides a safe haven for people of all ages to come for quiet reflection and grief education. They were created by the family of Christie Godwin Tilbury, a former Arkansas Hospice Foundation board member who died in July 2006, and serves the needs of those who are facing loss and grief. Today, christie’s corner can be found at our offices in North Little Rock and Hot Springs.

The grief libraries were designed to bring hope and healing to the bereaved through:

Gaining knowledge and understanding of the grieving process through the use of grief education materials and books
Sharing the story of illness, loss and death with those who understand
Learning what is helpful as others successfully cope with and adapt to life without a loved one
Knowing children have a safe place to express feelings of sadness and loss in ways that are most meaningful to them through art, music and play under the direction of bereavement staff

You can be a part of helping those with grief by participating with the Arkansas Hospice Foundation. CLICK HERE for more information.