LOSS AND GRIEF
❦ WHAT IS THIS SECTION ABOUT?
“Things that matter can be expressed in simple ways.” Peter Petrik
Loss and grief: We know what this is about. Grieving is a most personal process each of us will have to deal with at a time of great loss. Most of us have suffered grief in our lives, shed tears, endured deep sadness. Cultural norms and customs may be helpful but, in the end, we have to face the loss of a dear one in our own way. In hospice palliative care, loss and grief commonly begins when a diagnosis of terminal illness is given, and fluc- tuates and changes as you live the rest of your life. Look, again, at the model of hospice palliative care in the Introduction , page 3. Loss and grief follows along that same pathway and continues long after a loved one has died. ❦ WHAT RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE THAT WILL HELP ME RIGHT NOW? We hope that the following resources will provide encouragement and support as you make your way through this difficult process. Resources and supports include people to talk to, pamphlets and papers to read, and web sites to visit, including the Palliative Care Society of the Bow Valley: www.palliativecarebowvalley.com
❦ WHO CAN I TALK TO ABOUT WHAT I’M GOING THROUGH?
There are many professional counsellors available in our Bow Valley communities who provide grief counselling as part of the every-day practice. In addition, there are community supports available, which provide group, or other support. The following table shows you who they are.
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www.palliativecarebowvalley.com
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