Bereavement

Mountain Valley Hospice recognizes the grieving process as a natural reaction to the loss of a loved one. Mountain Valley Hospice is committed to assisting family members through a grieving process. We do this by offering a variety of services to our bereaved families.

An overview of Hospice's Bereavement Services is outlined below. Feel free to call us at the Hospice office. We look forward to hearing from you and encourage you to use our bereavement services.

Assessment - An assessment is made by a Hospice social worker to determine how family members are coping and what services might help the family through the bereavement process.

Individual Follow-up - A Hospice social worker is available to the bereaved family to provide emotional and practical support throughout the bereavement process. The social worker will be available to the family for approximately one year following the death of the patient.

Memorial Service - The Hospice Chaplin and Bereavement Coordinator conducts memorial services two times a year and welcome family participation.

Support Group - Seven week support groups for the bereaved will be offered periodically. The group will focus on feelings surrounding specific bereavement issues and practical concerns shared by the members. A monthly bereavement support group is ongoing.

Individual Counseling - This service is offered to family members. Counseling also is offered for non-hospice families and is available by appointment.

Library - Literature, tapes and books from the Hospice Library, on subjects related to grief and loss, are available to families.

We encourage participation in any or all of the services offered through Hospice.

"They [hospice] cannot add
days to your life but they can
absolutely add life to
your days."

- A 37-year-old hospice patient

"Words can't express how
much the hospice program
has helped our family
cope with Mom's illness and her death.  We appreciate
the program so much."

- A Family Member

"Too many people don't
know about the wonderful work hospice does, not for money but out of the
goodness of their hearts."

- A 77-year- old hospice patient

"Hospice was like a blessing
to me.  Without their help,
I would not have been
able to care for my
husband at home."

-  A surviving wife

"Calling hospice is 'not
giving up'...it is the
opposite.  For [our infant
daughter], it meant a high
quality of life and care
from loving, committed
and thoughtful professionals.
For that,  we are very grateful."

- A surviving mother

"When I get sick, upset
and need help, they are
always there for me.
I can call them at 3 a.m. and talk to someone."

- A 63-year-old hospice patient

"We were in great need
of the extra support
hospice gave us at a
very critical time."

- A surviving wife