• Grief is a reaction to loss.
• The way we experience grief is very individual; we each grieve in our own way.
• There are no universal “stages” to grief—grief is as individual as a fingerprint or a snowflake.
• People may have different “styles” of grieving. Some people may express their grief verbally, or cry easily; other people may channel their grief into activity. All of these responses are normal; how we grieve is not a measure of how we love.
• There is no timetable to grief. Over time the pain lessens, and we return to similar—sometimes better–levels of functioning.

Bereavement services are provided for the individual and the family from admission to at least 13 months following the individual’s death. We support them as much as they need – cards, journeys newsletter mailing, phone calls, visits, grief counseling and support.

PCHH grief and bereavement services include:

• Home visits from bereavement specialists, chaplains and volunteers
• Bereavement telephone support
• Bereavement support groups led by Putnam County HomeCare & Hospice Staff
• Annual Memorial services
• Bereavement letters and cards of support, a newsletter and educational materials
• Community resource referrals to grief therapists, community support groups, etc.
• Journeys Grief Support Meeting
• Good Grief Fun Camp
• Grief Support Team – Social Workers and Volunteers