Help with the Grieving Process at St. Luke’s

Bereavement journeys are as
unique as relationships

Grief is the natural response to a loss. We grieve the loss of objects, relationships, physical health and, of course, the death of a loved one. Bereavement is the act of processing grief. Bereavement journeys are as unique as relationships. There is no formula to follow and no timetable to measure against. This is why we often feel alone in our grief. However grieving individuals share common ground including a range of emotional reactions, dealing with well-meaning family and friends, and living through holidays and special occasions.

Hospice provides bereavement support and guidance for family members, caregivers and friends -- to every person impacted by death, regardless of whether their loved one has died in our hospice program. Bereavement support services, which are free-of-charge, continue for a full 13 months following a death. These services include monthly newsletters, support groups, workshops for adults and children, lectures/discussions and services of remembrance. St. Luke's Hospice is a community resource to anyone dealing with issues of grief and we welcome inquiries about our support groups, workshops, lecture series and other services. Please call 610-954-2835 for more information.

Newsletter

A monthly newsletter is mailed to family members for thirteen months after a hospice patient’s death. It contains information about support groups, workshops and lectures, and articles to help with bereavement. Anyone who has lost a loved one who was not in the hospice program maybe added to the mailing list.

Seasons of Change Workshops

Seasons of Change is a six-week bereavement workshop that is held three times during the year. It is open to the public, and to those who have had family members cared for by Hospice of the Visiting Nurse Association of St. Luke’s. Individuals can join at the beginning of a six-week cycle and are encouraged to attend all six sessions. The program includes exercises help the grieving process. These exercises include sharing personal stories, information about the loved one’s life and stories of relationships with loved ones.

The group also focuses on:

• Spirituality
• Coping with special days such as holidays, birthdays and anniversaries
• Looking ahead to the future.

For more information or to register for a Seasons of Change session, please call 610-997-7120.

Support Groups

Support groups are offered at least monthly in Carbon, Lehigh and Bucks counties. Topics vary from week to week and are determined by the needs and concerns of individuals attending the group. Individuals may attend any number of meetings. The schedule and locations are listed in the monthly newsletter.

Lectures

St. Luke's Hospice offers a bereavement lecture series throughout the area. Topics include dealing with loss at the holidays, adults coping with the loss of a parent and emotional responses to loss. For a complete schedule, call St. Luke’s InfoLink toll free at 877-610-6161.

Ryan’s Tree For Grieving Children

Ryan’s Tree for Grieving Children is part of the bereavement program of St. Luke’s Hospice. Ryan’s Tree is a guided peer support group for children and adolescents between the ages of five and eighteen who are grieving the death of a family member or friend.  Founded on the belief that young people grieve in their own way, we provide support in a nurturing environment to promote the healing of children and teens by encouraging the expression of grief through discussion and various activities.

Ryan’s Tree is offered in six week sessions throughout the year, with one day specialty camps offered as well. Staff and trained volunteer facilitators lead developmental and age appropriate break out sessions.

For more information, visit www.mystlukesonline.org/ryanstree or contact St. Luke’s Hospice Children’s Bereavement Coordinator by calling 484-241-8043.

Service of Remembrance

Twice a year, in late fall and spring, family members are invited to a service of remembrance. These Remembrance Services provide a special opportunity to recall loved ones who have died and to celebrate their lives. This non-denominational, interfaith service is designed for people of all faith backgrounds. It combines words, music, dance and readings in a memorial service. Separate services are held in the Lehigh Valley and in the Carbon, eastern Schuylkill and western Monroe areas.

It is part of the mission of hospice to provide comfort and support for family members, caregivers and friends — to every person impacted by a death. Support services continue for a full 13 months following a death. They include individual counseling, services of remembrance, a monthly newsletter, workshops, lectures, and support groups for adults and children.