Bereavement and Grief Support Groups

The Amedisys bereavement support team facilitates both virtual and in-person bereavement support groups tailored to help friends and family of hospice patients cope with loss. From general grief support to widow/widower support to the loss of a child, Amedisys offers opportunities for anyone facing loss to find the tools and resources they need to manage their grief.

Online Grief Support Groups

Virtual bereavement support groups are conducted on Microsoft Teams and accessible to anyone with an Internet connection and compatible device. Click below to learn more about each group and when each is available to join.

In-Person Bereavement Support Groups Near You

The Amedisys General Grief Support Groups are open to all Adults who have experienced a loss of a loved one. The groups generally last 3 to 6 months depending on group needs. Our grief support program provides a safe and supportive environment where people can express their feelings, share their experiences, and learn to navigate the grieving process.

Currently, the Amedisys bereavement team offers in-person support groups in the following locations. If you'd like to request a group near you, click into the type of group, follow the registration link and leave a comment in the submission. 

• Athens, TN
• Clermont, TN
• Kearney, NE
• Kingstown, RI
• Knoxville, TN
• Lubbock, TX
• Newark, DE
• Providence, RI
• Temple, TX
• Norfolk, NE
• York, NE
• Lincoln, NE

We also offer more specialized groups based on your type of loss. These include:

What can I expect at a grief support group?

When participating in a bereavement support group, you can expect a safe and nurturing environment to share your feelings and connect with others going through similar experiences. Here are several key topics that can be covered during support groups:

Understanding Grief

Reviewing different stages and manifestations of grief, including emotional, physical and behavioral responses to loss.

Coping Strategies

Learning about various coping mechanisms like relaxation techniques, mindfulness, deep breathing exercises and more to help manage the intense emotions associated with grief.

Expressing Emotions

Encouraging participants to express their feelings openly, providing a safe space to share and talk without judgment.

Communication Skills

Equipping participants with strategies to communicate effectively with family and friends who may also be grieving, addressing common challenges that come with discussing grief.

Self-Care

Exploring the importance of self-care activities like regular exercise, proper nutrition and sufficient sleep to promote overall well-being during this difficult time.

Grief Triggers

Identifying potential triggers that might intensify grief reactions and provide strategies to handle them constructively.

Support Networks

Discussing the significance of building and maintaining a support network through friends, family or therapy.

Rituals and Memorialization

Exploring different ways to honor and remember the person who has died, like creating memorials, holding ceremonies or participating in charitable activities in their honor.

Managing Changes

Addressing the practical aspects of loss, including legal and financial matters, and providing guidance on how to access resources to manage them effectively.

Hope and Moving Forward

Encouraging participants to find hope and meaning in life after loss, helping them understand that it is possible to move forward while still honoring and cherishing their loved one’s memory.

Professional Help

Recognizing the signs of complicated grief and encouraging participants to seek professional help when needed from therapists, counselors or psychologists.

Cultural and Religious Perspectives

Acknowledging and respecting diverse cultural and religious beliefs related to death and grieving, as these can significantly influence how individuals cope with loss.

Amedisys group facilitates are compassionate, empathetic and well-trained to provide effective support during the grieving process.

Is bereavement support effective for managing grief?

Grief is deeply personal and overwhelming, especially when in response to the loss of a loved one. While each of us must cope with loss in our own way, bereavement support has proven to be a valuable resource for those going through grief. At Amedisys, we're proud to offer this resource as part of our holistic model of hospice care, treating both the patient and the family.

One of the most significant advantages of bereavement support for grief is the sense of connection and understanding it can foster among those going through similar experiences. Grief can be a solitary journey, but in a group setting, participants can share stories, thoughts and feelings to gain empathy and validation. This, in turn, can provide a sense of relief and comfort, dispelling any feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Bereavement support also allows for diverse perspectives and coping strategies. Members can pick up different techniques from one another or learn from those who have gone through the bereavement process before. Even the act of getting out of the house and doing something new can offer a sense of relief for participants who have been too overwhelmed with their grief to participate in much.

Our team works to curate a supportive environment to allow members to express their emotions in a safe and non-judgmental space. Vocalizing emotions can be cathartic, helping participants process their grief and move forward.

Can anyone join Amedisys' bereavement groups?

While these groups are primarily set up for friends and family of Amedisys hospice patients, they are available to anyone in the communities we serve looking for the tools and resources they need to undergo their bereavement journeys.

If you or your loved one is considering hospice care, complete our hospice care assessment to understand more about hospice eligibility and its benefits.