Bereavement Professional

  • 1.  Walking Group

    Posted 02-16-2022 11:42 AM

    Hi there,

     

    I am curious for those who started Walking Groups as a result of COVID, and the importance of being outdoors in nature, what you have learned from them? Benefits to providing this group and limitations? Factors such as weather, liability, health, socialization, etc.

     

    Thanks and be well, Michelle

    Michelle Milita LMHC, CT
    Manager, Bereavement Services
    Email: 
    Michelle.Milita@hopehcs.org
    Phone: 
    239‑489‑9189
    Cell: 239‑888‑0487
    13821 North Cleveland Ave
    North Fort Myers
    , 
    FL 33903
    Make a Gift to Hope
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    Confidentiality Notice:

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  • 2.  RE: Walking Group

    Posted 02-17-2022 10:57 AM
    1) We always have two counselors present (and if one of us is gone, we have a social worker or chaplain fill in. They are always excited to do so!). One of the counselors walks with the group, and the other one sits at a picnic table for people that do not wish to walk. Both counselors serve as a casual facilitator to discussion.

    2) Have a backup plan for the weather. Will you be indoors walking (such as at a mall), or will you simply cancel? What is the communication method for conveying this information?

    3) As with any group, we have some people for whom this is the best fit, whereas others prefer a traditional support group setting. Some people find it easier to talk about their loss in a more "organic" format, particularly while they are moving. 

    4) People are eager to be in-person.

    ------------------------------
    Anne Alesch, MDiv.
    Bereavement Coordinator, Hospice
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Walking Group

    Posted 02-22-2022 11:46 AM

    I did a walking group last summer that introduced walking meditation skills that participants could try. It was well received and several of the group members are still in contact with each other. I plan to offer it again this spring when weather is better.

     

    If possible, having it at a park with a sheltered area is nice so that in case of rain you can skip walking and still have conversation. I'm a dept of 1 so I tried to have a volunteer attend to watch people's belongings during the walking part. When that wasn't possible, I stayed with their belongings and anyone who didn't want to walk while the group went on the walk.

     

    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


  • 4.  RE: Walking Group

    Posted 02-17-2022 11:21 AM
    Thanks Anne for the insight and suggestions.

    We usually have a trained volunteer attend our groups to assist as needed with lead counselor. A chaplain though is good consideration. 

    All potential group members will be screened and sign a consent form.

    As far as weather, we are here in SWFL so great weather 9 months of the year with hot, humid, wet summer! Therefore, lead counselor and volunteer will monitor weather for that early-morning time better! And will notify those via text or group email of cancellation if necessary.

    Our route begins from home office so close to bathrooms, etc. The walking path is under mostly canopy trees with local hospital and other places nearby. Butterfly garden, ponds, etc for being out in nature:) topics can be fluid as walking and connecting their grief to nature and one another takes place.

    Thanks and be well!



    Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone


    Michelle Milita LMHC, CT
    Manager, Bereavement Services
    Email: 
    Michelle.Milita@hopehcs.org
    Phone: 
    239‑489‑9189
    Cell: 239‑888‑0487
    13821 North Cleveland Ave
    North Fort Myers
    , 
    FL 33903
    Make a Gift to Hope
    Hope Hospice
    Hope PACE
    Hope Palliative Care
    Hope Kids Care
    Hope Connections 
    Hope Healing Hearts – Hope Parkinson Program – Hope Comfort Care – Hope Choices – Hope VALOR
    Hope Volunteers – Hope Expressive Therapies – Hopeful Wishes – Hope Chest Resale Stores – Hope for Pets 
    www.hopehcs.org 

    Confidentiality Notice:

    This electronic mail transmission is intended only for the use of the addressee and may contain information that is privileged and confidential. If you are not the intended recipient, any dissemination of this communication is prohibited. If you have received this transmission in error, please notify the sender immediately by email and delete the original message.

    Original Message




  • 5.  RE: Walking Group

    Posted 02-18-2022 09:28 AM
    Hi there! 

    So many great benefits to the outdoors :)

    We have been doing seasonal outdoor workshops with different themes & purposes related to nature & grief for adults. Myself (clinician) and a volunteer (with a background in mental health) co-facilitate the groups. We also have an additional volunteer who is very connected to nature-based programming who helps set up, share perspectives, etc. which is lovely as well. It has been a great way for folks to gather and share, and so far they seem to really look forward to it. We've had a few folks remark at how being outside and not in a confined space helps with their anxiety, which is great. So far we have been embracing the elements (i.e. light rain) as a part of the experience and that has gone well. This last month we did a virtual offering on nature & grief that was well received as a back up in the event it is really necessary.

    Limitations would be that this type of group is not meant for those who are not as comfortable being outside, or who are wanting more control over their environment. I think having both options, a virtual/indoor and an outdoor, is ideal to meet a range of needs if possible.

    Working with a space that is accessible for all abilities is also something that is important to think about. We have a few options at our venue we partner with so that we can adjust as needed.

    As far as health, we continue to follow the COVID protocols our agency has regardless of the physical location.

    Hope some of this is helpful!

    ------------------------------
    Bianca Staudt
    Bereavement Clinician
    Home Health & Hospice Care
    Merrimack, NH
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


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