Grief Support

The Arkansas Hospice Family of Care 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 after loss can participate in virtual or in-person grief support groups or have help with referrals to outside resources, when needed.

family looking at sunrise

Speaking of Grief

Join us for our Arkansas Hospice podcast, Speaking of Grief. Our team and guests will tackle topics and questions in a candid, compassionate, and sometimes humorous manner. To submit questions for future episodes, contact Jamie Boshears, Bereavement Specialist, at jboshears@arkansashospice.org.

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.

Comfort for All

Arkansas Hospice is committed to supporting those who face grief and loss following death with a variety of programs designed to bring hope and healing. Through connection and support, many individuals learn ways to navigate their loss journey in positive ways. Connection is key as well as understanding how loss and grief affect us. Positive coping strategies can help find ways to honor loved ones who died, adapt to a new normal, and heal broken hearts.

Arkansas Hospice provides grief support not only for the families of our patients, but also for the community at large – regardless of whether the loss was an Arkansas Hospice patient. Services are available to anyone who would like to participate, and are available free of charge.

 

Support Groups

Arkansas Hospice Bereavement Services currently offers two monthly groups for adults. One is via Zoom, and the other is an in-person lunch group. It is recommended that grievers allow themselves a few weeks following loss before starting a support group. It may be beneficial to partake of individual bereavement support during this time with bereavement staff. Please discuss your specific needs or questions with the bereavement team in order best meet your identified goals.

Virtual Support

Telegrief Support Group uses the Zoom platform so that primarily new bereaved virtually link with one another to share and process loss in a group format. Groups are not specific to type of loss, age of bereaved, or relation to the deceased, nor are they gender specific. Bereaved are encouraged to share and connect with others as a steppingstone to healing until they feel comfortable in managing their grief journey.

Confidentiality of shared information and mutual respect is an expectation of participation. Meeting times are typically one hour in length, and participation in this virtual group requires access to a computer or phone with a speaker, camera, and internet capability. Bereavement staff can assist with Zoom technology to maximize the experience and increase comfort of use.

A HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) disclosure agreement and enrollment are required for participation in Zoom groups due to the nature of our unencrypted email and discussion of confidential information during support group.

I’m Doing the Best I Can (Telegrief Support Group)

This is a time-limited support group designed for the newly bereaved up to and through 13 months out from a death. Group sizes are small to allow for meaningful conversational interaction with no set agenda other than individuals working toward the goals of: (1) processing the pain of loss, (2) reconciliation with the present, and (3) living forward. Group members may join at any time and will individually graduate 12 months after joining (or sooner if you feel ready) or move to the Lunch Bunch group.

This Telegrief Support Group meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m.

For details about enrollment in virtual grief support, please contact Simone Brock, Bereavement Specialist at 501-748-3342 or sbrock@arkansashospice.org.

    In-Person Support

    Lunch Bunch (Social/Support)

    The purpose of this group is to accommodate the social and supportive needs of grievers who are further along in their grief journey. It is appropriate for those with a loss beyond 6 months or who feel they are ready for a lower intensity of grief support but who still wish to share and network. This group holds the common theme of connection, healing, and hope as participants live and move forward.

    Meetings are held the 2nd Thursday of each month at 11 a.m. at Cracker Barrell, 2618 S. Shackleford Rd., Little Rock. The Lunch Bunch will begin meeting in-person in May 2023.

    Please contact Reba Gaines, Bereavement Specialist at 501-748-3393 or rgaines@arkansashospice.org if you wish to attend and for seat reservation. Participants pay for their own food and beverages.

    Grief Walkers (to be determined when enough walkers are interested)

    A pop-up walking group that shares and enjoys nature while striving for health and fitness. Seasons are superb metaphors throughout the grief journey with leaves, rocks, birds, and the great outdoors serving as a source of healing and strength. Ask for bereavement staff for more information if you would like to form a pop-up Grief Walk group.

    Individual sessions

    Individual grief support sessions are available for those who are not quite ready to attend a group setting. Please call Bereavement Services to schedule a one-on-one visit.

    Grief Support for Children and Teens

    Art for the Heart

    As a community service, Arkansas Hospice offers “Art for the Heart” grief workshops to support grieving children, teens and the families that love them. The goal is to provide children affected by the death of a loved one time to acknowledge their losses while continuing to explore the world through play, expression, and normal activities. Caregivers are encouraged to participate in activities.

    If you would like to be added to the mailing event for future events, please contact Barbara Ross, Director of Bereavement Services, at 501-748-3390 or bross@arkansashospice.org.

    Children’s grief is the subject of a special episode of our Arkansas Hospice podcast, “Speaking of Grief.” To listen, please click here.

    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 

     

    For more information or questions about grief support through Arkansas Hospice’s bereavement services, please contact Barbara Ross, Director of Bereavement Services, at 501-748-3390 or bross@arkansashospice.org.

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

    The Arkansas Hospice Family of Care
    14 Parkstone Circle | North Little Rock, AR 72116
    (501) 748-3333 or Toll Free (877) 713-2348
    contactus@arkansashospice.org
    Arkanas Hospice Registered 501(c)(3). EIN: 71-0846826