Handling Grief

Grief and loss are very real and sometimes difficult to handle. Hospice not only cares for the patient, but cares for the entire family. Our goal is holistic. We provide comfort and compassion to our patients and caregivers who love and care for them.

The VNA offers grief education and support services to those who are ill, their family members, caregivers, friends and anyone trying to deal with grief. A licensed therapist coordinates programs that range from coping with anticipatory grief, dealing with the emotional and psychological aspects of dying, the needs of caregivers, and ultimately, grief after the loss of a loved one.

For more information on Handling Loss and Grief please contact us or call 814.454.2831.

Every life is precious. Each and every person who passes through our lives touches us in profound and special ways. We take the time to grieve their passing and celebrate their lives. We remember them with love.

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• VNA Bereavement Services usually extend for 13 months beyond the death of our patients. Contacts are made with family and friends through phone calls, cards, letters and personal visits if needed. Services are offered and referrals are made to help loved ones during these especially difficult times.
• Bereavement Contacts are made to each family within the month of the death of their loved one. Professionals speak with family members and offer support, encouragement and referral information as needed. Sympathy cards are sent to family members at the time of death. Other cards are also sent during the year to acknowledge special times and remind those who are grieving of our support and services.
• Grief in the Holidays Presentation
  Held in early November each year, this service is designed to help people handle the stresses of the holidays after suffering the loss of a loved one, no matter how long ago. Presentations are given by VNA medical and counseling professionals, and volunteers who have experienced loss in their own lives. Informational, non-denominational. Free and open to the public. Please call 454-2831 to make reservations for seating.

  

• Bereavement Phone Calls are made every 3 months for the first year. Professionals and trained volunteers interact with families to offer assistance as needed. Compassionate listening is a skill commonly practiced by our staff and volunteers.
• Individual and Family Therapy is available for those who need special assistance with their grief, and can be facilitated either at the VNA office or at the family’s home.
• Educational Programs include instruction about the dying process, grief, bereavement or other issues related to end of life care. These are offered at no charge to community organizations or agencies that might benefit from our help.
• Support Groups are facilitated by a professional and a trained volunteer and are open to the entire community as well to VNA families. Groups meet once a month at the Visiting Nurse Association Office, 2253 West Grandview Boulevard, Erie, PA 16506-4507. This free service provides grief education and support for adults who have experienced the loss of a loved one. It is our goal to offer compassion and comfort for all those who are mourning a significant loss.
• Parent Bereavement – “Angels too Soon” / “Coping with the Loss of an Adult Child”

  Meets the 2nd Monday from 6:30 – 8:30 PM

  Supporting the Family after the Loss of an Adult Child

  The program will be offered on the second Monday of every month at the Visiting Nurse Association of Erie County, 2253 W. Grandview Blvd. For more information, please contact the Coordinator of Bereavement and Volunteer Services, Dave Kuchta at 454-2831 or through our contact form

• General Bereavement Group
  

  Meets the third Wednesday of every month from 3 – 4:30 PM

  This program is ongoing and is open to anyone who is coping with or has experienced the loss of a family member or friend. The program is offered on the third Wednesday of every month at 3 PM at the Visiting Nurse Association of Erie County, 2253 W. Grandview Blvd.

  For more information, please contact the Coordinator of Bereavement and Volunteer Services, Dave Kuchta at 454-2831 or through our contact form

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  RENEW stands for:

  Remembering those we love
  Education about the process of grieving
  Networking with others who are bereaved
  Encouragement to look forward with hope
  Wisdom to learn and grow.
  

  
  For more information about the day and time of these meetings please contact us or call 814.454.2831.

  
  

  VNA Volunteers are helping hands in times of needs. “Click here for Volunteer Application.” or APPLY ONLINE.

  
  

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