Grief and The Holidays

Grief and The Holidays

            As the holidays approach, the grief from the loss of a loved one can become overwhelming because of family traditions, family gatherings, new experiences and the stress and anxiety already associated with holidays. It is completely normal to feel overwhelmed, stressed, anxious, restless and guilty. There are several other emotions or experiences people may encounter. To help cope with these and others, there are several suggestions we can make to help ease the feelings of grief.

1.      Set boundaries on your expectations and other’s expectations.

2.      Have a meeting or discussion with family/friends about the holiday plans.

3.      Rehearse how you will respond to difficult situations beforehand.

4.      Observe the day in a way that has meaning for you.

5.      Make the holiday an opportunity for healing. A day for renewal of your physical, emotional and spiritual needs.

6.      Be flexible.

7.      Recreate or change traditions. Start something new.

8.      Bring special touches of your loved one to the holiday.

9.      Focus on the concept of gifts/ gift giving. Buy a gift for yourself as well as others.

a.       What is the gift you were given by your loved one?

b.      What did they teach you about life/living?

c.       What positive qualities did they bring out in you?

d.      What was their purpose for being in your life?

10.  Have a plan. 

Help us share, educate, and reach out by subscribing to our blog and suggesting it to friends who will spread our message, Hospice of Southern Illinois is here to teach you what hospice is, what we are about, and what we can do for you and your loved ones! No one has to go through the dying process alone. Hospice of Southern Illinois can help!

Live well, laugh often, and love much,

Christine Juehne

Hospice of Southern Illinois

Community Education

1-800-233-1708

www.hospice.org

* * *

My name is Christine Juehne, and I have worked as a community educator for four years at Hospice of Southern Illinois, a member of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO). I will be your hospice guru answering questions, covering stories, and informing you about all hospice topics. I welcome you to our blog! Follow our journey to stay committed to our mission, enhance the quality of life for individuals and their loved ones touched by a terminal illness! If you have further questions about Hospice of Southern Illinois or general hospice questions please feel free to call 618-235-1703 or e-mail me at cjuehne@hospice.org!

Celebrating National Hospice Month in Novebmer

HOSPICE OF SOUTHERN ILLINOIS CELEBRATES NATIONAL HOSPICE MONTH

Join Hospice of Southern Illinois in their celebration in November of National Hospice Month. During National Hospice Month, the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and Hospice of Southern Illinois encourage others to emphasize the importance of quality end-of-life care for all Americans, regardless of age, diagnoses or location of care.

Hospice of Southern Illinois started off the month with Dashin’ for Compassion 5K Run/Walk to spread awareness about National Hospice Month. It was a great turnout and we reached out to over 100 people! Throughout the month of November we are reaching out to almost 1000 Facebook Fans by posting a hospice trivia question on Friday’s in November. The first Facebook Fan to answer correctly wins a $10 gift card! Furthermore, our community education team is visiting doctor offices, hospitals, nursing homes and assisted livings to explain the importance of educating patients on end-of-life care now before crisis strikes, for peace of mind later.

Hospice of Southern Illinois strongly advocates sharing materials, resources, and information, reaching out to the community through social media, print media, and community events, and educating everyone who may need, now or in their future, hospice services. Hospice services include specialized, pain management for patient care and grief support for patients and families. With the help of hospice, patients and families can focus on what our primary focus is, improving the quality of life and living each day to the fullest.

For access to information, resources and ways hospice can help you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week visit our website at http://www.hospice.org/, “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.hospiceofsouthernillinois, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/wwwhospiceorg, subscribe to our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/hospiceofsouthernil, and read our Blog on Blogger Hospice of Southern Illinois, Inc at http://www.hospiceofsouthernillinois.blogspot.com/.

Help us share, educate, and reach out by subscribing to our blog and suggesting it to friends who will spread our message, Hospice of Southern Illinois is here to teach you what hospice is, what we are about, and what we can do for you and your loved ones! No one has to go through the dying process alone. Hospice of Southern Illinois can help!

Live well, laugh often, and love much,

Christine Juehne

Hospice of Southern Illinois

Community Education

1-800-233-1708

www.hospice.org

* * *

My name is Christine Juehne, and I have worked as a community educator for four years at Hospice of Southern Illinois, a member of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO). I will be your hospice guru answering questions, covering stories, and informing you about all hospice topics. I welcome you to our blog! Follow our journey to stay committed to our mission, enhance the quality of life for individuals and their loved ones touched by a terminal illness! If you have further questions about Hospice of Southern Illinois or general hospice questions please feel free to call 618-235-1703 or e-mail me at cjuehne@hospice.org!