Bereavement Program for First Choice Hospice of Utah

What role does the bereavement coordinator play in hospice & palliative care?

Hospice deals with expected deaths resulting from a progressive illness. First Choice Hospice of Utah views grief and mourning as the natural, expected and reactionary process to death. The bereavement coordinator works closely with the hospice team to support families as they experience grief associated with the decline and death of their loved one. The bereavement coordinator is trained to evaluate the family and identify situations where additional support may be needed. Our bereavement support program at First Choice Hospice of Utah offers surviving family members and friends a chance to develop a better understanding of the grief process. Our services do not end with a death. For many people experiencing grief, it’s just the beginning. The primary objective of the bereavement coordinator in hospice care is to help families who have been intensely connected with hospice team members and offer support and encouragement through the bereavement support program.

What is Grief?

Grief is a reaction to loss and is often expressed by feelings such as anger, guilt, sadness or loneliness. While these feelings can be frightening and overwhelming, they are normal reactions to loss. Accepting them as part of the grieving process and allowing yourself to feel what you feel is necessary for healing. There is no right or wrong way to grieve - but there are healthy ways to cope with the pain. Grief that is expressed and experienced has a potential for healing that eventually can strengthen and enrich life.

The grieving process takes time. Healing happens gradually; it can’t be forced or hurried – and there is no "normal" timetable for grieving. Some people start to feel better in weeks or months. For others, the grieving process is measured in years. Whatever your grief experience, it’s important to be patient with yourself and allow the process to naturally unfold                                                           

            

Bereavement Services for First Choice Hospice of Utah

First Choice bereavement support care starts at the first contact with hospice and continues throughout the patient’s illness and for 13 months following the death of a loved one. Bereavement support is provided through:

  • Information about the normal grief process
  • Follow-up phone calls by the bereavement coordinator or a trained bereavement volunteer
  • One-on-one support through visits by members of the hospice team or trained bereavement volunteers
  • Assistance to survivors as they learn to cope with their loss, including help with specific problems and referrals to other community resources when indicated
  • Reading lists for children & adults
  • Workshops
  • Remembrance Services
  • Hands-on activities using memory beads and memory boxes for children
  • WINGS OF LOVE an Annual Live Butterfly Release

 

     Bereavement boxes for children in Utah