Medicare requires that Hospice provide 13 months of bereavement care to the families whom we have served. In order to provide this service 50% of our bereavement program is funded by a grant from United Way of Wapello County. The rest of the program is funded by donations and memorials left to Hospice. Our United Way Grant enables us to make our bereavement services available to anyone in the county. There is no charge for our bereavement services.

What is Grief: Grief is a normal response to change and the death of a loved one is a major change in our lives. Grief elicits a variety of responses, which can be physical, emotional, spiritual and psychological in nature. These responses are very individual and unique to each person. They depend on personality, nature of the death, relationship to the deceased and cultural differences.

Why Bereavement Care: Society often does not allow individuals enough time to mourn their losses and individuals do not have a clear concept of what grief is. This combination can leave the griever at a loss to understand the emotions and reactions that follow the death of a loved one. Most therapists will say that the majority of their clients are dealing with grief and loss issues. It has been shown that education about grief and support during the mourning period can help emotional questions before they become problematic.

Anyone can make a referral to the Hospice Bereavement Program for services, which are FREE, by calling the Hospice Office at 682-0684.

ONGOING BEREAVEMENT ACTIVITIES

Bereavement Coordinator:

Our Bereavement Coordinator is dual degreed in both psychology and human services and has 15 years of counseling experience. Her services are offered to all of our families and she tries to make a personal visit to the primary caregiver.

Monthly mailings:

Hospice family members are mailed a monthly information letter about grief and the grief process.

"Understanding Your Grief"
Grief Support Group:

Grief support group meets for 4 consecutive weeks for 2 hours each week. This is an educational and support group designed for people desiring special support for their grief issues resulting from the death of a loved one. It focuses on the grief experience in general, specific grief issues experienced by group members and ways to enhance coping skills. This group is designed for people who are at least twelve weeks from their loss, but exceptions may be made on a
case-by-case basis. Group size is limited. Call the Hospice office for group starting dates and times. Pre-registration is requested. Facilitated by Ellen Cannon, BA, Bereavement Coordinator at.641-682-0684 or 1-800-806-4967.

School:

When invited Hospice offers support groups at Evans Middle School for children coping with grief as a result of divorce and death of a loved one.

SOCIAL SUPPORT GROUPS

Evening "Meet and Eat" Social Support Group

A social group for men and women who have experienced a loss. This group meets the 3rd Monday of each month at the Sirloin Stockade for dining and support.

Ladies "Meet and Eat" Social Support Group

Meets the 2nd Friday of the month at 12:00 P.M. at Sirloin Stockade. There is usually a speaker or group activity. Facilitated by Bereavement Coordinator and Volunteers.

"Walk and Talk" Social Support Group

For men and women. Group meets every Thursday at 9 a.m.
May - October meet at the Lions Pavilion Shelter by the children’s playground in the
Greater Ottumwa Park.
November - April meet at Quincy Place Mall in front of JC Penney

During season transitions or inclement weather, contact Vicki Proctor, Bereavement Program Assistant at 682-0684 for current meeting location.

Bereavement is one of life’s most stressful events. Studies have shown that bereavement actually lowers the body’s immune system. To keep stress from building up and to increase your body’s production of endorphins (brain chemicals that enhance feelings of well-being), you need to do some “body work”. Walking is one of the easiest forms of exercise that helps fight depression and brings increased health benefits.

Men's Coffee Group

Meets every Tuesdays at 8:30 a.m. at Julia’s Cafe, 529 W. Main, Ottumwa

A social group designed for men who have lost a spouse. A chance for men to meet others who
have experienced a similar loss.

Contact Ellen Cannon, BA, Bereavement Coordinator at 682-0684 for more information.

Annual Memorial Service:

Hospice commemorates the individuals who died while on Hospice service during the past year and those who have left a memorial to Hospice. Click here to see pictures of the 2006 Memorial Service.

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