Spiritual Support
The word “spiritual” can be used in many ways. We understand spiritual life as each person’s unique experience of a power beyond himself or herself, a sense of order in the universe, a sense of purpose in living, and a sense of connection with everything. Spirituality also includes the organizing set of beliefs, values, hopes, and yearnings, by which each person makes sense of the frequently chaotic elements of life.
Social Worker Support
Our Master’s level Social Workers are specially trained in end-of-life care issues. They help our patients and families in a multitude of ways, including counseling, education, help with accessing community resources and grief support. In addition, they assist those in need of alternate residential settings, individuals experiencing financial crises, as well as those who require referrals to outside social service agencies. During the Social Worker’s visit, he or she will assess the needs of the patient and family and focus on maximizing their quality of life. As part of the interdisciplinary team, the Social Worker collaborates with all involved in the patient’s care with clarification of hospice goals. In short, the Social Worker helps patients and families determine how hospice can best serve them.
Some of the issues a Graceland Social Worker might assist with include:
- Education on hospice philosophy and the dying process
- The need for a caregiver and/or respite service
- Processing emotions surrounding news of a terminal diagnosis
- Support for an overwhelmed caretaker
- Anticipatory grief for those experiencing the loss of a loved one
- Conflict resolution amongst the patient’s support system
- Assistance with advanced directives such as a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care (DPOA-HC) or Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNR)
Bereavement Support
Each person reacts uniquely to the loss of a loved one. Your grief is unique. Your bereavement is your own, and it can feel devastating. The loss of a loved one can change your life. Even if we believe that we are strong or well-prepared, the feelings of grief can be intense.
These feelings are natural – feelings of pain, longing, vulnerability, confusion, sorrow, anxiety, fear, and anger emerge at the time of your loved one’s death and often continue for many months.
During this time of grief, you may find relationships changing. Your daily routines and roles may be altered. Your basic assumptions about life may change temporarily, or even permanently. You may face the anxiety and unexpected adventure of reshaping your life. You may not know where to turn for support, care, and help along such an uncharted journey.
The Graceland team is available to walk with you on your journey through grief and bereavement.
We offer a variety of bereavement services, which can include the following:
Person-to-person support: We are available for counseling, companionship, or conversation — whether in person, by phone, e-mail, or postal correspondence, from the time of death to a year after your loved one’s death. A personal visit request begins with a simple phone call.
Educational support groups: You’ll find that Graceland Hospice provides a safe and supportive place for people to share experiences of loss with each other, to learn from each other about ways to cope and heal, and move forward.
Written resources: We have a library of materials available that can help you understand and follow your journey through grief and bereavement.
