Frequently Asked Questions

Grief Support

Practical Answers and Advice

 
 
Resources

Visit our Bereavement Resources section to access helpful websites, books and articles.

What is grief?
Grief is a natural, normal reaction to the death of someone important to you. Human beings are wired to form attachments to others.  Deeply significant and loving relationships can be formed, but we are also mortal so eventually people we care about will die and grief is the set of behavioral, cognitive, emotional, physical, and spiritual reactions people experience as a reaction to such losses.
It’s been 6 months and I don’t feel any better. How long does grieving last?
Everyone grieves differently. There is no timeframe for how long one "should" grieve or how long it takes to feel better. It takes as long as it takes for each individual person.  You are welcome and encouraged to call us at any point along your grief journey if you have questions, concerns, or want support.
I’m not a group person. Are there other options for helping me grieve?

While support groups are not for everyone, they can be quite helpful in reducing the sense of loneliness and isolation grieving people often feel and can also help normalize the wide variety of grief reactions you might be experiencing by introducing you to others with very similar feelings.

If you are unsure about committing to an 8- or 6-week group, we also offer one-time workshops such as “Newly Bereaved” that allow you to briefly experience what can happen in a group.  We also offer lists of suggested reading materials, and referrals to additional grief support programs and resources in the community. If your loved one was service with Care Dimensions hospice, short-term individual counseling is also available.

How can I help someone who is grieving?

Sometimes it is just enough to be with them - you don't necessarily have to say or do anything. Encourage them to express their thoughts and feelings. Ask, "do you feel like talking?" or say, "I don't know what to say right now, but I care." Help them recall the good times and don't avoid talking about the person they lost.

Other ways to help:

  • Help them clean out their loved one's things when they are ready.
  • Assist them with shopping, cooking, writing thank you notes, even walking a pet.
  • Prepare for difficult dates and times such as anniversaries, birthdays, holidays and meals.
  • Most importantly, be patient and understand that grief takes time.
  • Avoid saying things like "You should be getting on with your life."Everyone’s timetable is different, and there is no “correct” way to grieve.
I haven’t been involved in hospice care. Can I still receive grief support?
Yes. Care Dimensions’ bereavement services are open to anyone in the community who is grieving, regardless of whether or not the deceased received hospice care.
Our school had some tragedies happen this year. What can we do to help everyone who is grieving?
Care Dimensions has dedicated children's grief experts on staff who specialize in helping adults who work with children as well as children themselves express and cope with their feelings of loss and grief. They are available to work directly with schools on a broad array of programs that can include ongoing support groups, art therapy, workshops and training for teachers and other personnel, and programs for parents.
A valued employee has died, how can our company help its employees maintain productivity while still coping with their grief?

Companies can start by considering various workshops and training programs that teach managers how to support bereaved employees with a focus on maintaining on-the-job performance.

Care Dimensions can provide a visit to your work site by one of our Bereavement Counselors, who can be available to speak individually or as a group with employees struggling to understand the loss. Feel free to contact us at 855-774-5100.

Call Today

For more information about children and grief support, please call 855-774-5100 or email Grief@CareDimensions.org.

Since 1978, Care Dimensions has provided comprehensive and compassionate care for individuals and families dealing with life-threatening illnesses. As the non-profit leader in advanced illness care, we offer services in more than 90 communities in Eastern Massachusetts.