Adult Bereavement Support

Grieving over losses can often begin long before death occurs. People with life-limiting/terminal illnesses face many losses, as do their families and caregivers. Roles within families and relationships change-a breadwinner may no longer be able to work or someone who normally takes care of others may now be the one needing care. Seacoast Hospice staff and trained volunteers are available during illness and after death to help individuals identify grief issues and find ways to cope.

For families of Seacoast Hospice patients, the Grief Care Team of bereavement coordinators and trained volunteers will maintain contact for more than a year after a patient's death. Through phone calls, short-term counseling, grief support groups, and community program referrals, the Bereavement Correspondence Program supports people at this difficult time of their lives.

Additionally, twice a year the Seacoast Hospice team joins with the recently bereaved at a special memorial service for family members and friends to remember loved ones.

Seacoast Hospice Bereavement Services are offered to the community-as well as those whose loved ones have had hospice care-through:

Grief Support Groups: Most group programs last six weeks and are offered at various times throughout the year in locations throughout the greater Seacoast. The groups are free of charge.

Bereavement Referral: When appropriate, Seacoast Hospice can refer the bereaved to other agencies and services within the community such as financial advisors, social security representatives, legal services, community mental health programs, and other community resources.

Community Education: In an effort to promote community grief education, speakers are available through Seacoast Hospice to provide lectures and workshops to agencies, schools, and other interested groups.