Bereavement Professional

  • 1.  Support Group BRV

    Posted 01-24-2022 12:32 PM
    I'm looking to start support groups at my small (rural) hospice. In the past, the groups have struggled with attendance/participation. I was thinking of posting a Support Group Survey to determine interest/dates/times.

    Does anyone have any suggestions for setting up support groups and gaining attendance? Due to COVID, the support groups will be virtually, but the hope will be for in-person groups in the spring.


  • 2.  RE: Support Group BRV

    Posted 01-25-2022 09:25 AM
    I know some of our rural groups have had success by meeting at a local restaurant/ private room- and meet for a self pay lunch-  seem to help folks want to get out for a cup of soup/ social offering and gather with others with grief- of course depending on where pandemic conditions etc- distance / dining- all come into play - just of consideration- coffee gathering also have been well attended  as well-

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    Amy Kitsembel Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services Wisconsin
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Support Group BRV

    Posted 01-25-2022 10:14 AM
    A survey is a good suggestion. We have published the groups in the local newspaper and have mailed letters/flyers to the local faith congregations. That seems to help. And since you'll be offering them virtually, you will have email addresses. We send invitations via email. Ask them to respond to you for screening.
    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Support Group BRV

    Posted 01-25-2022 10:27 AM
    If you have any volunteers who've had losses themselves and would be appropriate talking to your bereaved, I suggest trying to get one to attend the group.  I find that at the start of a group this is helpful so that if you only have 2 people show up you can still have a decent discussion between yourself, the two new attendees and the volunteer and that they two new people are more likely to return.  As you know it only takes one disappointing experience. Also, when we started our on-line groups we made sure to make ourselves available to new members who were nervous about using the computer software.  Schedule a time to do a 1:1 walk through in downloading the software, setting it up, and then logging in.  The extra attention will go a long way in breaking down that barrier and helping them feel supported.

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    Jennifer Simmons, LCSW
    Bereavement Coordinator
    St Francis Reflections Life Stage Care
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Support Group BRV

    Posted 01-25-2022 12:03 PM

    Hi Kimberly-

     

    I have found virtual groups to help expand the geographic range that my groups can include. I am also in a small rural area and have been doing virtual groups since July 2020.

     

    I've had feedback from participants that

    -they like being able to see people's faces (no masks since they are in their own homes),

    -they don't have to drive in bad weather or after dark,

    -they like being able to feel their feelings in group and know they don't have to drive right after.

    -they can attend lunch time groups because there is no commute time

     

    My in person group is down to once a month (we used to meet weekly) and only has 1-3 people who come.  We decreased frequency as per participant request because of their availability. All of my virtual groups have been growing and are much more consistent in weekly attendance.

     

    For outreach: I've reached out to local organizations to help spread the word about groups (funeral homes, churches, hospitals, clinics, mental health providers, libraries, senior center, etc)

     

    Laura Lirette M.Ed, MSW, CSWA

    Bereavement Coordinator

    Mt Hood Hospice

    PO Box 1269

    Sandy, OR 97055

    Main number: 503-668-5545

    Fax: 503-668-7951

    llirette@mthoodhospice.org

     




    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Support Group BRV

    Posted 01-25-2022 02:48 PM
    If your organization has a Facebook presence, you may want to post your groups there, as well as on your website.

    Veronica M. Ibarra, MS, FT, BCC

    Bereavement Counselor

    Presbyterian Home Health, Hospice, and Palliative Care

    Albuquerque, NM

    Bereavement Services: 505-559-7055

    Cell: 505-377-1601

    Hospice Main: 505-559-1000


    "Grief is in two parts. The first is loss. The second is the remaking of life."

    -- Anne Roiphe

     






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    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: Support Group BRV

    Posted 02-02-2022 03:30 PM
    Hi Kimberly,

    We have been offering virtual support groups since COVID began and have had a more steady attendance then pre-COVID, probably for all the reasons mentioned by Laura.  We get referrals from the local MD offices, local counselors and it is posted on the hospital web site in their resource section as well as on our web page, local papers and the agency Facebook page.  These groups have been going on a long time here, so familiarity may be part of the information sharing.  Wishing you luck!

    Diana

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    Diana Moore
    Hospice Bereavement Coordinator
    Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice
    Barre, Vermont
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    Original Message


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