Bereavement Professional

Hi everyone, for future chat discussion, we would love to hear what you typically encounter as counseling concerns or dilemmas. What are those issues that pop up that you often find yourself needing to discuss with your team or colleagues. Or maybe not common, but maybe a recent type of dilemma without divulging confidential information. Thank you for sharing.

------------------------------
Karen Monts
Director, Grief Support Services & Practice Manager, Counseling Services
Northstar Care Community
------------------------------

Suicidal ideation and depression/anxiety. For one case, I did have to call for a wellness check, but been having a lot of cases with depression/anxiety on top of the loss(es) that they have endured this past year.

------------------------------
Mary Joye, MT-BC, LMSW
The Care Team Hospice
Bereavement Coordinator
Flint, MI
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-13-2021 17:24
From: Karen Monts
Subject: Common Counseling Concerns

Hi everyone, for future chat discussion, we would love to hear what you typically encounter as counseling concerns or dilemmas. What are those issues that pop up that you often find yourself needing to discuss with your team or colleagues. Or maybe not common, but maybe a recent type of dilemma without divulging confidential information. Thank you for sharing.

------------------------------
Karen Monts
Director, Grief Support Services & Practice Manager, Counseling Services
Northstar Care Community
------------------------------

Grief in Dementia patients.  How to best help bereaved family members that have dementia.

------------------------------
Tabitha Hoffman
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-14-2021 09:08
From: Mary Joye
Subject: Common Counseling Concerns

Suicidal ideation and depression/anxiety. For one case, I did have to call for a wellness check, but been having a lot of cases with depression/anxiety on top of the loss(es) that they have endured this past year.

------------------------------
Mary Joye, MT-BC, LMSW
The Care Team Hospice
Bereavement Coordinator
Flint, MI

Original Message:
Sent: 07-13-2021 17:24
From: Karen Monts
Subject: Common Counseling Concerns

Hi everyone, for future chat discussion, we would love to hear what you typically encounter as counseling concerns or dilemmas. What are those issues that pop up that you often find yourself needing to discuss with your team or colleagues. Or maybe not common, but maybe a recent type of dilemma without divulging confidential information. Thank you for sharing.

------------------------------
Karen Monts
Director, Grief Support Services & Practice Manager, Counseling Services
Northstar Care Community
------------------------------

Thank you Tabitha.

------------------------------
Karen Monts
Director, Grief Support Services & Practice Manager, Counseling Services
Northstar Care Community
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-15-2021 09:31
From: Tabitha Hoffman
Subject: Common Counseling Concerns

Grief in Dementia patients.  How to best help bereaved family members that have dementia.

------------------------------
Tabitha Hoffman

Original Message:
Sent: 07-14-2021 09:08
From: Mary Joye
Subject: Common Counseling Concerns

Suicidal ideation and depression/anxiety. For one case, I did have to call for a wellness check, but been having a lot of cases with depression/anxiety on top of the loss(es) that they have endured this past year.

------------------------------
Mary Joye, MT-BC, LMSW
The Care Team Hospice
Bereavement Coordinator
Flint, MI

Original Message:
Sent: 07-13-2021 17:24
From: Karen Monts
Subject: Common Counseling Concerns

Hi everyone, for future chat discussion, we would love to hear what you typically encounter as counseling concerns or dilemmas. What are those issues that pop up that you often find yourself needing to discuss with your team or colleagues. Or maybe not common, but maybe a recent type of dilemma without divulging confidential information. Thank you for sharing.

------------------------------
Karen Monts
Director, Grief Support Services & Practice Manager, Counseling Services
Northstar Care Community
------------------------------

Thank you Mary Joye.

------------------------------
Karen Monts
Director, Grief Support Services & Practice Manager, Counseling Services
Northstar Care Community
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-14-2021 09:08
From: Mary Joye
Subject: Common Counseling Concerns

Suicidal ideation and depression/anxiety. For one case, I did have to call for a wellness check, but been having a lot of cases with depression/anxiety on top of the loss(es) that they have endured this past year.

------------------------------
Mary Joye, MT-BC, LMSW
The Care Team Hospice
Bereavement Coordinator
Flint, MI

Original Message:
Sent: 07-13-2021 17:24
From: Karen Monts
Subject: Common Counseling Concerns

Hi everyone, for future chat discussion, we would love to hear what you typically encounter as counseling concerns or dilemmas. What are those issues that pop up that you often find yourself needing to discuss with your team or colleagues. Or maybe not common, but maybe a recent type of dilemma without divulging confidential information. Thank you for sharing.

------------------------------
Karen Monts
Director, Grief Support Services & Practice Manager, Counseling Services
Northstar Care Community
------------------------------

Issues of the bereaved caregiver that are outside of the hospice realm and were probably already present. Mental health, psychiatric, substance use disorder issues. Severe/extreme family conflict. Excessive anger.

------------------------------
Kathy Campbell, LCSW
Manager
VITAS Healthcare of Fort Worth
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-13-2021 17:24
From: Karen Monts
Subject: Common Counseling Concerns

Hi everyone, for future chat discussion, we would love to hear what you typically encounter as counseling concerns or dilemmas. What are those issues that pop up that you often find yourself needing to discuss with your team or colleagues. Or maybe not common, but maybe a recent type of dilemma without divulging confidential information. Thank you for sharing.

------------------------------
Karen Monts
Director, Grief Support Services & Practice Manager, Counseling Services
Northstar Care Community
------------------------------

I wanted to echo the substance use disorder issues as well. Thank you Kathy for mentioning that!

------------------------------
Mary Joye, MT-BC, LMSW
The Care Team Hospice
Bereavement Coordinator
Flint, MI
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-14-2021 09:17
From: Kathy Campbell, LCSW
Subject: Common Counseling Concerns

Issues of the bereaved caregiver that are outside of the hospice realm and were probably already present. Mental health, psychiatric, substance use disorder issues. Severe/extreme family conflict. Excessive anger.

------------------------------
Kathy Campbell, LCSW
Manager
VITAS Healthcare of Fort Worth

Original Message:
Sent: 07-13-2021 17:24
From: Karen Monts
Subject: Common Counseling Concerns

Hi everyone, for future chat discussion, we would love to hear what you typically encounter as counseling concerns or dilemmas. What are those issues that pop up that you often find yourself needing to discuss with your team or colleagues. Or maybe not common, but maybe a recent type of dilemma without divulging confidential information. Thank you for sharing.

------------------------------
Karen Monts
Director, Grief Support Services & Practice Manager, Counseling Services
Northstar Care Community
------------------------------

Thank you Kathy.

------------------------------
Karen Monts
Director, Grief Support Services & Practice Manager, Counseling Services
Northstar Care Community
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-14-2021 09:17
From: Kathy Campbell, LCSW
Subject: Common Counseling Concerns

Issues of the bereaved caregiver that are outside of the hospice realm and were probably already present. Mental health, psychiatric, substance use disorder issues. Severe/extreme family conflict. Excessive anger.

------------------------------
Kathy Campbell, LCSW
Manager
VITAS Healthcare of Fort Worth

Original Message:
Sent: 07-13-2021 17:24
From: Karen Monts
Subject: Common Counseling Concerns

Hi everyone, for future chat discussion, we would love to hear what you typically encounter as counseling concerns or dilemmas. What are those issues that pop up that you often find yourself needing to discuss with your team or colleagues. Or maybe not common, but maybe a recent type of dilemma without divulging confidential information. Thank you for sharing.

------------------------------
Karen Monts
Director, Grief Support Services & Practice Manager, Counseling Services
Northstar Care Community
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 7/13/2021 5:24:00 PM
From: Karen Monts
Subject: Common Counseling Concerns

Hi everyone, for future chat discussion, we would love to hear what you typically encounter as counseling concerns or dilemmas. What are those issues that pop up that you often find yourself needing to discuss with your team or colleagues. Or maybe not common, but maybe a recent type of dilemma without divulging confidential information. Thank you for sharing.

------------------------------
Karen Monts
Director, Grief Support Services & Practice Manager, Counseling Services
Northstar Care Community
------------------------------

Thank you Lori.

------------------------------
Karen Monts
Director, Grief Support Services & Practice Manager, Counseling Services
Northstar Care Community
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-14-2021 11:44
From: Lori Williams
Subject: Common Counseling Concerns

I agree with what the others have mentioned - dealing with preexisting concerns or diagnoses,  and challenges in encouraging a person to seek therapy when their issues are outside our scope of bereavement practice.  Family dynamics are a frequent issue.  Also, coping with that we call "long-talkers", or people that have a difficult time ending a call or visit.  I'd appreciate some insight and guidance on these things.  Thank you!

 

Lori M.Williams, MSW, LISW

Social Worker/Bereavement Counselor

St. Luke's Hospice Duluth

 

220 North 6th Ave East | Duluth, MN 55805

Phone: 218-249-6102| Fax: 218-249-6166

Cell: 218-349-4397

Lori.Williams2@slhduluth.com

www.slhduluth.com/hospice

 

 

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This St. Luke's communication is intended for the use of the person or entity to whom it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged and confidential, the disclosure of which is governed by applicable law.  If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this information is prohibited.  If you have received this message in error, please notify sender immediately

Original Message:
Sent: 7/13/2021 5:24:00 PM
From: Karen Monts
Subject: Common Counseling Concerns

Hi everyone, for future chat discussion, we would love to hear what you typically encounter as counseling concerns or dilemmas. What are those issues that pop up that you often find yourself needing to discuss with your team or colleagues. Or maybe not common, but maybe a recent type of dilemma without divulging confidential information. Thank you for sharing.

------------------------------
Karen Monts
Director, Grief Support Services & Practice Manager, Counseling Services
Northstar Care Community
------------------------------

I would also like to throw it out there that one issue I encounter is our field psychosocial staffers who 'want' to stay involved with a bereaved caregiver outside of their professional and our agency boundaries. Although we employ some clinical social workers (as an example), that level of expertise is not a requirement for employment and we frame the job description as being supportive, education-based and community resource driven. We also frame our after care services to our bereaved caregivers in this way thru our literature and descriptions of what caregivers can expect from us. In other words, we are not a counseling/therapy agency but we do partner with those entities and refer appropriately. But I am challenged that some of our chaplains and social workers feel compelled to keep a caregiver for bereavement services who have marital issues, long-term depression, etc. So I'm putting that out there as well that sometimes, the challenge is within. Anyone also have this experience with colleagues?

------------------------------
Kathy Campbell, LCSW
Manager
VITAS Healthcare of Fort Worth
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-13-2021 17:24
From: Karen Monts
Subject: Common Counseling Concerns

Hi everyone, for future chat discussion, we would love to hear what you typically encounter as counseling concerns or dilemmas. What are those issues that pop up that you often find yourself needing to discuss with your team or colleagues. Or maybe not common, but maybe a recent type of dilemma without divulging confidential information. Thank you for sharing.

------------------------------
Karen Monts
Director, Grief Support Services & Practice Manager, Counseling Services
Northstar Care Community
------------------------------

I struggle with how to best support bereaved (and their custodial caregivers) who have developmental disabilities (emotional, cognitive, intellectual)  and may not fully understand the concept of death.  Typically these are adults who are still being cared for by the remaining parent or an adult sibling, and the family doesn't know how to best support them or help them to understand.  There seems to be a dearth of information and support resources available for this group.

------------------------------
Marcy Leach, CT, PhD
Bereavement Coordinator
Longleaf Hospice and Palliative Care
marcy.leach@longleafhospice.com
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-15-2021 09:14
From: Kathy Campbell, LCSW
Subject: Common Counseling Concerns

I would also like to throw it out there that one issue I encounter is our field psychosocial staffers who 'want' to stay involved with a bereaved caregiver outside of their professional and our agency boundaries. Although we employ some clinical social workers (as an example), that level of expertise is not a requirement for employment and we frame the job description as being supportive, education-based and community resource driven. We also frame our after care services to our bereaved caregivers in this way thru our literature and descriptions of what caregivers can expect from us. In other words, we are not a counseling/therapy agency but we do partner with those entities and refer appropriately. But I am challenged that some of our chaplains and social workers feel compelled to keep a caregiver for bereavement services who have marital issues, long-term depression, etc. So I'm putting that out there as well that sometimes, the challenge is within. Anyone also have this experience with colleagues?

------------------------------
Kathy Campbell, LCSW
Manager
VITAS Healthcare of Fort Worth

Original Message:
Sent: 07-13-2021 17:24
From: Karen Monts
Subject: Common Counseling Concerns

Hi everyone, for future chat discussion, we would love to hear what you typically encounter as counseling concerns or dilemmas. What are those issues that pop up that you often find yourself needing to discuss with your team or colleagues. Or maybe not common, but maybe a recent type of dilemma without divulging confidential information. Thank you for sharing.

------------------------------
Karen Monts
Director, Grief Support Services & Practice Manager, Counseling Services
Northstar Care Community
------------------------------

Thank you Marcy.

------------------------------
Karen Monts
Director, Grief Support Services & Practice Manager, Counseling Services
Northstar Care Community
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-16-2021 09:25
From: Marcy Leach
Subject: Common Counseling Concerns

I struggle with how to best support bereaved (and their custodial caregivers) who have developmental disabilities (emotional, cognitive, intellectual)  and may not fully understand the concept of death.  Typically these are adults who are still being cared for by the remaining parent or an adult sibling, and the family doesn't know how to best support them or help them to understand.  There seems to be a dearth of information and support resources available for this group.

------------------------------
Marcy Leach, CT, PhD
Bereavement Coordinator
Longleaf Hospice and Palliative Care
marcy.leach@longleafhospice.com

Original Message:
Sent: 07-15-2021 09:14
From: Kathy Campbell, LCSW
Subject: Common Counseling Concerns

I would also like to throw it out there that one issue I encounter is our field psychosocial staffers who 'want' to stay involved with a bereaved caregiver outside of their professional and our agency boundaries. Although we employ some clinical social workers (as an example), that level of expertise is not a requirement for employment and we frame the job description as being supportive, education-based and community resource driven. We also frame our after care services to our bereaved caregivers in this way thru our literature and descriptions of what caregivers can expect from us. In other words, we are not a counseling/therapy agency but we do partner with those entities and refer appropriately. But I am challenged that some of our chaplains and social workers feel compelled to keep a caregiver for bereavement services who have marital issues, long-term depression, etc. So I'm putting that out there as well that sometimes, the challenge is within. Anyone also have this experience with colleagues?

------------------------------
Kathy Campbell, LCSW
Manager
VITAS Healthcare of Fort Worth

Original Message:
Sent: 07-13-2021 17:24
From: Karen Monts
Subject: Common Counseling Concerns

Hi everyone, for future chat discussion, we would love to hear what you typically encounter as counseling concerns or dilemmas. What are those issues that pop up that you often find yourself needing to discuss with your team or colleagues. Or maybe not common, but maybe a recent type of dilemma without divulging confidential information. Thank you for sharing.

------------------------------
Karen Monts
Director, Grief Support Services & Practice Manager, Counseling Services
Northstar Care Community
------------------------------

I once had a 69 year old client with a developmental disability. His cognitive age was 8 years old and I accommodated my counseling to that age.
It was very effective. Using the Dougy Center, dougy.org was very helpful for the age related guidance.

------------------------------
Debbie Pausig, LMFT, CT
Hospice Bereavement Coordinator
VNA Community Healthcare & Hospice
Guilford, CT
dpausig@vna-commh.org
www.connecticuthomecare.org
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-16-2021 09:25
From: Marcy Leach
Subject: Common Counseling Concerns

I struggle with how to best support bereaved (and their custodial caregivers) who have developmental disabilities (emotional, cognitive, intellectual)  and may not fully understand the concept of death.  Typically these are adults who are still being cared for by the remaining parent or an adult sibling, and the family doesn't know how to best support them or help them to understand.  There seems to be a dearth of information and support resources available for this group.

------------------------------
Marcy Leach, CT, PhD
Bereavement Coordinator
Longleaf Hospice and Palliative Care
marcy.leach@longleafhospice.com

Original Message:
Sent: 07-15-2021 09:14
From: Kathy Campbell, LCSW
Subject: Common Counseling Concerns

I would also like to throw it out there that one issue I encounter is our field psychosocial staffers who 'want' to stay involved with a bereaved caregiver outside of their professional and our agency boundaries. Although we employ some clinical social workers (as an example), that level of expertise is not a requirement for employment and we frame the job description as being supportive, education-based and community resource driven. We also frame our after care services to our bereaved caregivers in this way thru our literature and descriptions of what caregivers can expect from us. In other words, we are not a counseling/therapy agency but we do partner with those entities and refer appropriately. But I am challenged that some of our chaplains and social workers feel compelled to keep a caregiver for bereavement services who have marital issues, long-term depression, etc. So I'm putting that out there as well that sometimes, the challenge is within. Anyone also have this experience with colleagues?

------------------------------
Kathy Campbell, LCSW
Manager
VITAS Healthcare of Fort Worth

Original Message:
Sent: 07-13-2021 17:24
From: Karen Monts
Subject: Common Counseling Concerns

Hi everyone, for future chat discussion, we would love to hear what you typically encounter as counseling concerns or dilemmas. What are those issues that pop up that you often find yourself needing to discuss with your team or colleagues. Or maybe not common, but maybe a recent type of dilemma without divulging confidential information. Thank you for sharing.

------------------------------
Karen Monts
Director, Grief Support Services & Practice Manager, Counseling Services
Northstar Care Community
------------------------------

Good information Debbie, thank you!

------------------------------
Karen Monts
Director, Grief Support Services & Practice Manager, Counseling Services
Northstar Care Community
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-21-2021 09:11 AM
From: Deborah Pausig
Subject: Common Counseling Concerns

I once had a 69 year old client with a developmental disability. His cognitive age was 8 years old and I accommodated my counseling to that age.
It was very effective. Using the Dougy Center, dougy.org was very helpful for the age related guidance.

------------------------------
Debbie Pausig, LMFT, CT
Hospice Bereavement Coordinator
VNA Community Healthcare & Hospice
Guilford, CT
dpausig@vna-commh.org
www.connecticuthomecare.org

Original Message:
Sent: 07-16-2021 09:25
From: Marcy Leach
Subject: Common Counseling Concerns

I struggle with how to best support bereaved (and their custodial caregivers) who have developmental disabilities (emotional, cognitive, intellectual)  and may not fully understand the concept of death.  Typically these are adults who are still being cared for by the remaining parent or an adult sibling, and the family doesn't know how to best support them or help them to understand.  There seems to be a dearth of information and support resources available for this group.

------------------------------
Marcy Leach, CT, PhD
Bereavement Coordinator
Longleaf Hospice and Palliative Care
marcy.leach@longleafhospice.com

Original Message:
Sent: 07-15-2021 09:14
From: Kathy Campbell, LCSW
Subject: Common Counseling Concerns

I would also like to throw it out there that one issue I encounter is our field psychosocial staffers who 'want' to stay involved with a bereaved caregiver outside of their professional and our agency boundaries. Although we employ some clinical social workers (as an example), that level of expertise is not a requirement for employment and we frame the job description as being supportive, education-based and community resource driven. We also frame our after care services to our bereaved caregivers in this way thru our literature and descriptions of what caregivers can expect from us. In other words, we are not a counseling/therapy agency but we do partner with those entities and refer appropriately. But I am challenged that some of our chaplains and social workers feel compelled to keep a caregiver for bereavement services who have marital issues, long-term depression, etc. So I'm putting that out there as well that sometimes, the challenge is within. Anyone also have this experience with colleagues?

------------------------------
Kathy Campbell, LCSW
Manager
VITAS Healthcare of Fort Worth

Original Message:
Sent: 07-13-2021 17:24
From: Karen Monts
Subject: Common Counseling Concerns

Hi everyone, for future chat discussion, we would love to hear what you typically encounter as counseling concerns or dilemmas. What are those issues that pop up that you often find yourself needing to discuss with your team or colleagues. Or maybe not common, but maybe a recent type of dilemma without divulging confidential information. Thank you for sharing.

------------------------------
Karen Monts
Director, Grief Support Services & Practice Manager, Counseling Services
Northstar Care Community
------------------------------

Yes Kathy, I have definitely encountered this. Especially in some of our closer knit smaller communities. We were just discussing this morning boundary discussions. Thank you for sharing.

------------------------------
Karen Monts
Director, Grief Support Services & Practice Manager, Counseling Services
Northstar Care Community
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-15-2021 09:14
From: Kathy Campbell, LCSW
Subject: Common Counseling Concerns

I would also like to throw it out there that one issue I encounter is our field psychosocial staffers who 'want' to stay involved with a bereaved caregiver outside of their professional and our agency boundaries. Although we employ some clinical social workers (as an example), that level of expertise is not a requirement for employment and we frame the job description as being supportive, education-based and community resource driven. We also frame our after care services to our bereaved caregivers in this way thru our literature and descriptions of what caregivers can expect from us. In other words, we are not a counseling/therapy agency but we do partner with those entities and refer appropriately. But I am challenged that some of our chaplains and social workers feel compelled to keep a caregiver for bereavement services who have marital issues, long-term depression, etc. So I'm putting that out there as well that sometimes, the challenge is within. Anyone also have this experience with colleagues?

------------------------------
Kathy Campbell, LCSW
Manager
VITAS Healthcare of Fort Worth

Original Message:
Sent: 07-13-2021 17:24
From: Karen Monts
Subject: Common Counseling Concerns

Hi everyone, for future chat discussion, we would love to hear what you typically encounter as counseling concerns or dilemmas. What are those issues that pop up that you often find yourself needing to discuss with your team or colleagues. Or maybe not common, but maybe a recent type of dilemma without divulging confidential information. Thank you for sharing.

------------------------------
Karen Monts
Director, Grief Support Services & Practice Manager, Counseling Services
Northstar Care Community
------------------------------

Great question!  I would love to hear some insight into working with individuals who refuse to discuss their grief, but continue to demand support services.  I have a client that is very headstrong and refuses to talk about grief, but he also does not want to lose the socialization.  Another topic is dealing with those who you may not personally get along with because of personality or moral clashes.  Thank you!
Original Message:
Sent: 07-13-2021 17:24
From: Karen Monts
Subject: Common Counseling Concerns

Hi everyone, for future chat discussion, we would love to hear what you typically encounter as counseling concerns or dilemmas. What are those issues that pop up that you often find yourself needing to discuss with your team or colleagues. Or maybe not common, but maybe a recent type of dilemma without divulging confidential information. Thank you for sharing.

------------------------------
Karen Monts
Director, Grief Support Services & Practice Manager, Counseling Services
Northstar Care Community
------------------------------

This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous

Constantly having to re-educate staff about the importance of getting the patient or family's consent before the Bereavement Department contacts them. Lately we've been having quite a few deaths occur prior to the patient being admitted and staff asking that we cold-call the family without anyone getting their permission first.  This puts us in a tough situation because the admissions team obviously worries about the family, but this would definitely fall under the label of solicitation.  Even if the patient has been admitted, our policy is not to get involved without the patient or family's express consent and we constantly have to remind the staff to ask whether or not they would like us to reach out to them.
Original Message:
Sent: 07-13-2021 05:24 PM
From: Karen Monts
Subject: Common Counseling Concerns

Hi everyone, for future chat discussion, we would love to hear what you typically encounter as counseling concerns or dilemmas. What are those issues that pop up that you often find yourself needing to discuss with your team or colleagues. Or maybe not common, but maybe a recent type of dilemma without divulging confidential information. Thank you for sharing.

------------------------------
Karen Monts
Director, Grief Support Services & Practice Manager, Counseling Services
Northstar Care Community
------------------------------

This is an interesting concern that I have not encountered before. There is no requirement, anywhere that I am aware of, that requires consent to make an initial bereavement call. You are fundamentally calling to see how the family is doing, hopeful that this can lead to a discussion/assessment of bereavement needs. We do them automatically within ten days (some longer, as long as BV assessment was done within 5 days of patient's admission). I do not know of any hospice that requires consent to make a phone call, so you might want to get with your supervisor and maybe revise that policy. It can't be solicitation if you are providing a free service, IMO.

------------------------------
Rev. Dr. Don Stouder
Bereavement and Volunteer Manager
Reliance Hospice
Palm Desert, California
dstouder@reliancehospice.net
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-27-2021 08:36 AM
From: Anonymous Member
Subject: Common Counseling Concerns

This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous

Constantly having to re-educate staff about the importance of getting the patient or family's consent before the Bereavement Department contacts them. Lately we've been having quite a few deaths occur prior to the patient being admitted and staff asking that we cold-call the family without anyone getting their permission first.  This puts us in a tough situation because the admissions team obviously worries about the family, but this would definitely fall under the label of solicitation.  Even if the patient has been admitted, our policy is not to get involved without the patient or family's express consent and we constantly have to remind the staff to ask whether or not they would like us to reach out to them.
Original Message:
Sent: 07-13-2021 05:24 PM
From: Karen Monts
Subject: Common Counseling Concerns

Hi everyone, for future chat discussion, we would love to hear what you typically encounter as counseling concerns or dilemmas. What are those issues that pop up that you often find yourself needing to discuss with your team or colleagues. Or maybe not common, but maybe a recent type of dilemma without divulging confidential information. Thank you for sharing.

------------------------------
Karen Monts
Director, Grief Support Services & Practice Manager, Counseling Services
Northstar Care Community
------------------------------

I can agree that if the death happens before the Bereavement assessment is completed, it can feel like a "cold call", however as Bereavement services are part of the Hospice benefit it should have been explained a time of admission your process for follow up care - especially if death was that imminent.   If at this time (or anytime later) a family/caregiver chooses not to continue with Bereavement services, they can elect to opt out.

------------------------------
GinaJacobsCarris Health-Rice HospiceHospice SW CoordinatorWillmarMNUnited States
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-30-2021 11:16 AM
From: Rev Dr Don Stouder
Subject: Common Counseling Concerns

This is an interesting concern that I have not encountered before. There is no requirement, anywhere that I am aware of, that requires consent to make an initial bereavement call. You are fundamentally calling to see how the family is doing, hopeful that this can lead to a discussion/assessment of bereavement needs. We do them automatically within ten days (some longer, as long as BV assessment was done within 5 days of patient's admission). I do not know of any hospice that requires consent to make a phone call, so you might want to get with your supervisor and maybe revise that policy. It can't be solicitation if you are providing a free service, IMO.

------------------------------
Rev. Dr. Don Stouder
Bereavement and Volunteer Manager
Reliance Hospice
Palm Desert, California
dstouder@reliancehospice.net

Original Message:
Sent: 08-27-2021 08:36 AM
From: Anonymous Member
Subject: Common Counseling Concerns

This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous

Constantly having to re-educate staff about the importance of getting the patient or family's consent before the Bereavement Department contacts them. Lately we've been having quite a few deaths occur prior to the patient being admitted and staff asking that we cold-call the family without anyone getting their permission first.  This puts us in a tough situation because the admissions team obviously worries about the family, but this would definitely fall under the label of solicitation.  Even if the patient has been admitted, our policy is not to get involved without the patient or family's express consent and we constantly have to remind the staff to ask whether or not they would like us to reach out to them.
Original Message:
Sent: 07-13-2021 05:24 PM
From: Karen Monts
Subject: Common Counseling Concerns

Hi everyone, for future chat discussion, we would love to hear what you typically encounter as counseling concerns or dilemmas. What are those issues that pop up that you often find yourself needing to discuss with your team or colleagues. Or maybe not common, but maybe a recent type of dilemma without divulging confidential information. Thank you for sharing.

------------------------------
Karen Monts
Director, Grief Support Services & Practice Manager, Counseling Services
Northstar Care Community
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I can appreciate your concern. Definitely often an ethical dilemma. As Don stated, we of course contact anyone associated with an admitted patient unless the family declines. When it is a community client that a third party requests we contact, we too prefer to walk cautiously and avoid cold calling. The gray area I hear you stating is when the patient was a potential admit but died prior to. In that situation, I agree, it would probably be a discussion with your leadership to determine that best process. If the patient was a potential admit and the family member/s already provided their contact info, I see that as permission to contact and probably would be appreciated. But definitely one of those situations that would warrant a good process or guidelines discussion with your admission's department.

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Karen Monts
Director, Grief Support Services & Practice Manager, Counseling Services
Northstar Care Community
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Original Message:
Sent: 08-27-2021 08:36 AM
From: Anonymous Member
Subject: Common Counseling Concerns

This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous

Constantly having to re-educate staff about the importance of getting the patient or family's consent before the Bereavement Department contacts them. Lately we've been having quite a few deaths occur prior to the patient being admitted and staff asking that we cold-call the family without anyone getting their permission first.  This puts us in a tough situation because the admissions team obviously worries about the family, but this would definitely fall under the label of solicitation.  Even if the patient has been admitted, our policy is not to get involved without the patient or family's express consent and we constantly have to remind the staff to ask whether or not they would like us to reach out to them.
Original Message:
Sent: 07-13-2021 05:24 PM
From: Karen Monts
Subject: Common Counseling Concerns

Hi everyone, for future chat discussion, we would love to hear what you typically encounter as counseling concerns or dilemmas. What are those issues that pop up that you often find yourself needing to discuss with your team or colleagues. Or maybe not common, but maybe a recent type of dilemma without divulging confidential information. Thank you for sharing.

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Karen Monts
Director, Grief Support Services & Practice Manager, Counseling Services
Northstar Care Community
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