HERMISTON, Ore. – “Understanding Your Grief-Hope for Healing,” a six-week grief support group is set to start April 30.
The series provides information and support through understanding companionship for those coping with grief and is meant to help anyone experiencing the loss of a family member or loved one, or with any form of loss, such as that of health or a job.
“There’s so much need in the community,” said Vange John Memorial Hospice Chaplain James Lafolette, of the program that provides a safe place and support for those working to process loss.
Chaplain Lafolette ran the “Understanding Your Grief” program last year and just completed a second round of the group last week.
The program is based on the work of Dr. Alan Wolfelt, a renowned author, grief counselor and death educator. While the program is not faith-based and is open to anyone, it is “faith-friendly,” according to Chaplain Lafolette.
“Understanding Your Grief” provides information and support concerning loss and explores mourning, myths about grief and how everyone grieves differently.
Materials will be provided for registered participants and the group will be led by “understanding companions,” including Chaplain Lafolette, his wife, other GSHCS chaplains and trained volunteers.
The program encourages volunteer leadership and the companions are not “grief counselors or experts,” according to Chaplain Lafolette, rather they are “available and they listen with the goal of introducing members of the group to available resources and walking with them as they process loss.”
Chaplain Lafolette hopes to keep the group small for now, however, knowing the need is great, he is open to offering more sessions depending on the response. He also hopes to train more volunteers to run sessions in the future.
“Grief is a journey made easier when you have a companion to walk with,” said Chaplain Lafolette.
As a Hospice Chaplain, Lafolette meets patients and their families or loved ones where they are, providing many kinds of support during their last days.
According to Polly Conner with Vange John Memorial Hospice, Chaplain Lafolette does everything from sitting with patients and offering companionship, to providing spiritual support and connections to church or religious resources for patients and their families.
“A part of Hospice that’s very important is working with families at end of life, but even beyond that, our Hospice team provides bereavement support to families after losing their loved ones,” said Chaplain Lafolette.
Hospice continues to provide support for the family for up to 13 months after a patient dies, according to Conner. This continued support from Chaplain Lafolette means checking in, making phone calls, being there for the family or loved ones, and helping ensure they have access to the resources needed after a patient’s death.
“Understanding Your Grief” is scheduled for April 30 through June 4 and will meet on Wednesdays from noon to 1:00 p.m. in the Broun Building at 645 W. Orchard Avenue. Good Shepherd’s Vange John Memorial Hospice is a Medicare-certified hospice program that provides compassionate care and support for terminally ill patients and their families during end of life.
Support is focused on symptom management for comfort and quality of life provided in the patient’s own home, according to Conner, and incudes medications, medical equipment, bath aid services, routine nursing visits and 24-hour nursing support, Chaplain, social services, occupational therapy, massage and volunteers.
Registration is required to attend the “Understanding Your Grief” series and more information is available by phone or email at 541-667-3814 or jlafolette@gshealth.org. To learn more about Vange John Memorial Hospice, visit www.gshealth.org/hospice.