Hospice Cleveland County exists to serve not only individuals experiencing a life-limiting illness, but also their family members and loved ones, and the community-at-large. 
 
When we lose someone or something important in our lives, we naturally grieve.  Grieving people respond in individual ways and have a variety of needs.  The process can be a startling experience:  beliefs may be challenged; reactions such as shock, anger, guilt and depression may surface; and physical energy may be depleted.  Any of these feelings may occur weeks, months, or even years after the loss.  Grief is not an illness, but a human condition needing understanding and support.
           
Our goal is to offer grieving persons the warmth and caring which may help them freely express their grief.  It is our hope that through these supportive relationships, healing and growth may occur.

Because of the individual differences in reactions to death and loss, we
offer a variety of grief support services provided by trained professionals.
We hope that this support might prove helpful as you “walk the hard ground” that comes after a significant loss.  Please call our office for additional information.

Mailings
Beginning two weeks after the death of a patient, regular mailings go out to family members.  These reassuring and informative mailings continue at intervals throughout the year and contain helpful material about the grief process and suggestions for coping during this time of adjustment. If you would like to receive these mailings, please call our office.

Support Groups
“Reflections” is a support group for adults.  Through the use of music, art, and personal reflections, participants develop coping skills and a better understanding of grief. 

“Mostly Smiles” is a support group for children. (In addition to sessions held at our agency, there is an on-going program of “Mostly Smiles” in the area schools.  Contact the school counselor regarding this program.)

Both support groups are scheduled at various times throughout the year.  Sessions last approximately one hour and meet four consecutive weeks. The support groups consist of discussions, artwork, storytelling, and other techniques to help express and deal with grief.  In remembering a loved one, the sense of loss often generates feelings of pain, loneliness, and sadness, but through grief support, the remembrance of a loved one can bring healing.

Special Programs
Memorial Services are held twice a year to honor those persons whom we have served during the past six months. A variety of workshops, lectures, and programs about grief and loss are offered throughout the year as a community service and are free of charge. They will be posted on our website calendar.

Individual Counseling
Sometimes it helps to talk with a professional counselor who has expertise in the area of grief.  Often, a few visits with the counselor can help tremendously. Short-term individual counseling is available.  There is no charge for this service.