GRIEF AND BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT
Grieving the loss of a loved one can be a complex and personal process. The first step is an initial one-on-one counselling session with a professional counsellor/facilitator who assesses your needs. This assessment allows you to set your bereavement goals. Hospice Vaughan then supports you every step of the way to healing.
Specialized programs address specific types of grief and loss. You are not alone – sharing your bereavement journey with others who are facing similar circumstances can help the healing process.
- Grief Support Group
- Alumni Bereavement Support
- Teen Group (ages 13-17)
- HUGS Children’s Support Group
- In-School Grief Support Program
- Caregiver 101
GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
BASED UPON COMMUNITY NEED
Surviving the loss of a loved one can be a difficult and lengthy process. We work to assist each individual to integrate life’s losses in their own unique way. A variety of support is available for bereavement clients regardless of when the loss has occurred. Clients meet with our Bereavement Coordinator and a collaborative effort is made to create an individualized care plan.
ALUMNI BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT
BASED UPON COMMUNITY NEED
A monthly meeting for clients who have already participated in a 6 week Bereavement program at Hospice Vaughan, and who would like continued group support through monthly check-ins.
TEEN GROUP
(ages 13-17)
BASED UPON COMMUNITY NEED
Teens use a multi-media platform to explore misconceptions surrounding grief and loss. This opens up a discussion around how to move forward through grief after the death of a loved one. 6-10 weeks dependent on community need.HUGS CHILDREN’S SUPPORT GROUP
BASED UPON COMMUNITY NEED
HUGS (Helping Understand Grief Sessions) is a Grief program for children created by Christine Dernederlanden. This program aims to help children understand grief and bereavement and deal with the death of a loved one.
CAREGIVER 101
BASED UPON COMMUNITY NEED
End-of-life caregivers face increasing stress and have many questions. This information and support session will address caregiver fatigue and the substitute decision-making process. Participants learn healthy ways of coping, including effective self-care strategies. Assistance with the end-of-life legal and medical documentation process is provided. Session offered on an ongoing basis.
PALLIATIVE CARE SUPPORT
The palliative/end-of-life journey is a difficult time for the ill person and those who care for them. These therapies encourage participants to explore their inner selves, and focus on being present in the moment. Ongoing.
- In-Home Visitation Volunteer Support
- Caring Hands Day Program
- The Inner Journey
- Caring for Caregivers
IN-HOME VISITATION VOLUNTEER SUPPORT
Our specially trained volunteers provide caregiver relief and caring companionship to those facing a life-limiting illness and their loved ones. Volunteers matched with families provide social and emotional support to alleviate feelings of isolation. A palliative diagnosis by a physician is required.CARING HANDS DAY PROGRAM
Our Caring Hands Day Program warmly welcomes individuals with a palliative diagnosis and their caregivers once a week. Participants enjoy socially stimulating programming, a delicious home-cooked lunch, and caring companionship. The trappings of every day life fall away, friendships are made, and laughter is the best medicine. All are welcome.THE INNER JOURNEY
BASED UPON COMMUNITY NEED
Complementary therapies offer alternative ways to support those facing a life-limiting illness. These therapies encourage participants to explore their inner selves, and being present in the moment. Our specially-trained volunteers facilitate sessions covering a wide range of physical and emotional therapies.
- Reiki
- Meditation
- Therapeutic Touch
- Qigong
- Art Therapy
- Music Therapy
- Massage Therapy
- Visualization and Guided Imagery
CARING FOR CAREGIVERS
BASED UPON COMMUNITY NEED
End-of-life caregivers face tremendous stress and tend to neglect their own needs. Beyond caring for their loved one, caregivers must also navigate a complex health care system. The inner resources we all rely upon to maintain sound emotional, mental, and psychosocial balance are pushed to the limits. Participants learn healthy ways of coping, including effective self-care strategies.CHILDREN’S GRIEF PROGRAMS
HANDS OF HOPE CHILDREN’S PROGRAM
An emotional support group for children four to twelve years old who are:
- Mourning or anticipating the loss of a loved one
- Having difficulty coping with the idea of death
- Overwhelmed with emotions
- Using negative and unhealthy behaviors as a coping mechanism
- Struggling with the day-to-day tasks and requirements of school
Children will meet with others who have had a similar experience.
The program will offer the opportunity to:
- Discuss self-esteem issues
- Share their stories and feelings with other children
- Build healthy coping strategies through play, arts & crafts, and other techniques
The children’s program is offered seasonally, including in the summer. During the summer months, the program expands to a once a week, four-hour day program which includes a delicious lunch.