Hospice deals with expected deaths resulting from a progressive illness. Providence Hospice views grief and mourning as the natural, expected and reactionary process to death. Grief is not a disorder or mental illness. Most people gradually adjust and become reconciled to this loss through information, emotional support and time. We believe that bereavement follow-up acts as a bridging process, serving families who have been intensely connected with hospice team members and now receive support and encouragement through the bereavement program as they find their own support network.
Providence Hospice Bereavement program supports the bereaved as they reconcile the loss, process grief and resume normal daily activities. Hospice does not provide long-term counseling, rather refers to outside counselors and community resources if additional follow-up is needed. We encourage the bereaved to connect to their community for the ongoing support that will carry them through their grieving process.
Bereavement services are a condition of participation for any Medicare certified hospice and are considered an integral part of the entire hospice plan of care. Providence Hospice Bereavement Program provides: risk assessment of likely complications in the survivor’s grief process; 13 months of follow-up; literature about the grief process by mail; a telephone contact by a bereavement counselor; bereavement trained volunteer telephone support; grief support groups; grief classes; memorial gatherings; and referrals to community resources.
All Providence Hospice Bereavement Services are available to members of the community who have suffered a loss through death as well free of charge. Please call 503-215-CARE (2273) or e-mail bereavement@providence.org if you have questions or would like to know more about our services.
Portland-West Side
Morning Group: 1st & 3rd Tuesday of each month 10-11:30 a.m. Providence St. Vincent Medical Center 9205 SW Barnes Road, Portland Pastoral Services Conference Room
Evening Group: 2nd & 4th Thursday of each month 7-8:30 p.m. Providence St. Vincent Medical Center 9205 SE Barnes Road, Portland Conference Room 3
Portland-East Side
Morning Group: 1st & 3rd Tuesday of each month 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Providence Portland Medical Center 4805 NE Glisan, Portland Pastoral Care Conference Room
Afternoon Group: 2nd & 4th Thursday of each month 4:30-6:00 p.m. Providence Portland Medical Center 4805 NE Glisan, Portland Pastoral Care Conference Room
Milwaukie
1st and 3rd Thursday of each month 10:30 a.m. to noon Providence Milwaukie Hospital Annex 3300 SE Dwyer Drive, Suite 300, Milwaukie
Newberg 1st & 3rd Thursday of each month 4:30 - 6 p.m. Providence Newberg Medical Center 1001 Providence Dr., Newberg St. Paul Room
Grief Support Classes (Journey through Grief)
Journey Through Grief a six session class/support group for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one. The sessions help participants understand the grief process and allow opportunities to question, explore, and share experiences that may facilitate growth and healing.
Led by professionals, the classes include the following topics:
Dimensions of grief
Symptoms of normal grief
Recalling your coping skills
Assuming new roles
Coping with holidays
Resources to use for support
Building memories
Journey Through Grief is offered several times a year at different Providence locations. The classes are offered at no charge, however space is limited, and registration is required. Class schedule (PDF)
For more information or to register, please call Bereavement Services at 503-215-2273.
When a crisis happens to someone we care about, it's natural to want to reach out. But sometimes we hesitate to visit or call because we're afraid of saying or doing the wrong thing. That's where the Providence Hospice Community Care Program can help.
Camp Erin is a grief support camp designed for children ages 6 to 17 who have experienced the death of a loved one. It is a traditional, fun, high-energy camp combined with grief education and emotional support.
Me, Too. & Company Me, Too. & Company is a program that supports children and families who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling, child, relative or friend. Eight-week support groups for children, teens and the adults in their lives are offered.
