Coping With Grief During the Holidays and Other Special Occasions Workshop

October 30, 2018

Coping With Grief Workshop

Grief. A 5 letter word used to describe feelings of loss and sadness, but the word itself doesn't come close to capturing the raw emotions felt by loss of loved ones. Grief is a natural feeling and a natural process after losing someone you cherish. It is especially difficult around the holidays and other special occasions to deal with grief and this is where workshops and support programs can help.

What is Grief

Grief is a normal process when dealing with loss but still unique for everyone. Each individual handles grief differently and in their own way. It can be an overwhelming emotion and at times, can interfere with an individuals daily life. There is no set time how long someone will grieve for or how they go about dealing with their pain but there are support programs to help you.

The 5 Stages of Grief

There are five stages of grief. Helping understand them can help you understand the process and why you are feeling what you are feeling. The five stages are:

1. Denial: "This isn't happening to me"
2. Anger: "Why is it happening? Who can I blame?"
3. Bargaining: "Please make this not happen and in return I will ____"
4. Depression: "I don't want to do anything anymore"
5. Acceptance: " I am at peace with all that has happened. I accept what is."

Our Grief Support Program

At Airdrie & District Hospice Society we offer many support programs during the year. One that we hold now, closer to the holidays it the "Coping with Grief During the Holidays and Other Special Occasions".  This free workshop will help you understand grief and offer some ways to help you cope. (Space is limited so please pre-register to hold your spot.)

To learn more about this program and others that we offer, please visit our website at www.AirdrieHospice.ca and look under Events.

All About Hospice Care

October 30, 2018

All About Hospice

Hospice is not necessarily a place, but more about planning End of Life care. Many people die in hospitals or care facilities without having the chance to discuss their wishes for End of Life care. Hospice allows the patient, along with their caregivers, to address their wishes and needs to ensure a comfortable transition.

Where Does Hospice Take Place?

Hospice can be provided in a variety of settings including a home or nursing home, inpatient at the hospital or assisted living facilities. The focus is to make the patient comfortable and to provide support for the caregiver(s).

Who Assists With Hospice Care?

Hospice care can involve a few people to many people depending on the needs of the patient and the caregiver(s). Medical professionals like nurses and doctors can be involved, social workers and spiritual support individuals as well as volunteers can be brought in as well. The overall goal is to provide medical support as well as emotional and spiritual support as needed.

Why Hospice?

Hospice is about Quality of Life. When a patient's illness is not responding to treatment and it is determined they have a limited life expectancy, then it is time to provide Hospice care so the patient can be as comfortable during their final days.

Caregivers often have to balance their daily lives (jobs, children etc) with also taking care of the patient which can be very stressful and difficult. Hospice can help. Volunteers can help by sitting with the patient and give caregivers a chance to tend to their duties. Support workers can come in to discuss possible programs to assist the caregiver as well.

It's important to remember: You Are Not Alone. Hospice is there to help. 

Contact the Airdrie & District Hospice Society today to see how we can help you. Our services are free and we serve the Airdrie and surrounding areas.