With Christmas time, many people will celebrate yearly traditions, gatherings with family and friends and the general good feelings associated with the season, but for some, the holidays generate feelings of sadness and dread.
For those who have lost a loved one during the past year, the holidays may emphasize their grief, according to Shiles Hubbell, Bereavement Coordinator at Cypress Basin Hospice.
“Many times friends and family members of those affected by at a loss as to what to say or do to support their grieving loved one during the holidays” explains Hubbell.
The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization offer eight practical tips from hospice professionals:
- Be supportive of the way the person chooses to handle the holidays. Some may wish to follow traditions; others may choose to change their rituals. Remember, there is no right way or wrong way to handle the holidays.
- Offer to help the person with baking and/or cleaning. Both tasks can be overwhelming when someone is experiencing acute grief.
- Invite the person to attend a religious service with you and your family.
- Invite your loved one to your home for the holidays.
- Donate a gift or money in memory of the person’s loved one. Remind the person that his or her special person is not forgotten.
- Never tell someone that he or she should be “over it.” Instead, give the person hope that, eventually, he or she will enjoy the holidays again.
- If he or she wants to talk about the deceased loved one or feelings associated with the loss, LISTEN. Active listening from friends is an important step to helping him or her heal. Don’t worry about being conversational…. just listen.
- Remind the person you are thinking of him or her and the loved one who died. Cards, phone calls and visits are great ways to stay in touch.
In general, the best way to help those who are grieving during the holidays is to let them know you care. They need to be remembered, and they need to know their loved ones are remembered, too.
Hubbell emphasize that friends and family members should never be afraid of saying or doing the wrong thing, because making an effort and showing concern will be appreciated.
Hospice is a philosophy of care for patients with life-limiting illnesses. A team of professionals and trained volunteers offer care and comfort to patients and their families when a cure is no longer possible. Fully covered by Medicare and most insurance companies, hospice services are available at home or in a facility such as a nursing home or assisted living.
Cypress Basin Hospice is a non-profit agency that has provided support since 1986 throughout Northeast Texas for those patients and their families who are undergoing the effects of life-limiting illness. Besides their bereavement camp for children (Camp Brave Heart), Cypress Basin Hospice offers a wide range of grief support programs to families and individuals, whether or not they are Cypress Basin Hospice clients.
For more information or if you know a person who would benefit from professional grief support, please contact Cypress Basin Hospice at 903-577-1510 or 888-429-2966, or go to www: cbhospice.org.