Lakes Regional Healthcare Hospice is offering a grief support group for those who have experienced loss and are looking for support and connection from others with shared experiences.
Hospice Social Worker Jean Johnson will facilitate the group. “A lot of our patients and their families have asked for a support group,” she said. “There are so many people that experience all types of grief and feel they have nowhere to turn for support, and we want to change that.”
The group is not just for people who have been in hospice, but for anyone in the community who is experiencing grief from the loss of a loved one. Johnson said, “People experience grief in many different ways. By meeting with others with shared experiences they have the opportunity to have emotional support, validation, and education about grief.”
The support group will meet at the hospital’s Big Spirit Conference Room every second Wednesday of the month from 1:00 until 2:00 pm beginning June 8. Each session will include topics to facilitate discussion and provide different coping strategies and resources.
Johnson said support groups benefit people by offering a safe and non-judgmental environment for individuals to express their feelings and tell their story knowing that others will be understanding and supportive. She said, “We strongly encourage those who are searching for added support and those who want to share their experiences to attend.”
Participation in the support group is free of charge and registration is not necessary. Those with questions can call 712-336-8709 and ask for Jean Johnson.
