Grief is painful and overwhelming. It immobilizes, frightens and confuses those who have experienced a recent death. However, grief is a normal and necessary reaction to the death of a loved one.

Hospice of Siouxland Bereavement Services can help you understand and deal with that grief through a variety of programs. The Bereavement Team is available to listen to your special needs and concerns and to help you work through the healing process. The following bereavement services are offered to every family served by Hospice of Siouxland for at least 13 months following the death of a loved one.

• A Bereavement Coordinator offers a visit within 3-8 weeks after the death to assess the needs and concerns of the family.

• Short-term individual bereavement counseling, by a Bereavement Coordinator, is available to family members to facilitate the healing process.

• Bereavement mailings are sent monthly to assist the bereaved in understanding the unpredictability of the grieving process.

• Trained bereavement volunteers are available to provide support.

• An educational program for adults, “Grief and Growth”, is offered each spring, summer and fall. The groups are not designed to achieve resolution of grief, but rather to provide an opportunity to share experiences and ideas with others who have suffered a loss.

• A similar educational support group is offered to children and teens twice a month throughout the year.

• Hospice sponsors an annual memorial service to remember and honor your loved ones.

The Hospice Bereavement Coordinators can be contacted through the numbers listed below.