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Caring Spirit
Spring/Summer 2003
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NEWS for Friends of the Lutheran Home Care Agency
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To shatter some of the common misconceptions surrounding grief, Hospice Foundation of America offers practical advice for dealing with loss.
Myth 1: We only grieve deaths.
Reality: We grieve all losses, (i.e.
divorce, job loss, re-location . . .)
Myth 2: Only family members grieve.
Reality: All who are attached grieve, (i.e.
friends, caregivers, neighbors . . .)
Myth 3: Grief is an emotional reaction.
Reality: Grief can manifest itself in many
ways, (i.e. physically, behaviorally . . .)
Myth 4: Individuals should leave grieving at home.
Reality: We cannot control where we grieve.
Myth 5: We slowly and predictably recover
from grief.
Reality: Grief is an uneven process, a
roller coaster with no time line.
Myth 6: Grieving means letting go of the
person who has died.
Reality: We never fully detach.
Myth 7: Grief finally ends.
Reality: Over time most people learn to live
with loss.
Myth 8: Those who are grieving are best left alone.
Reality: Grievers need opportunities to
share their memories and grief,and to receive support.
Myth 9: Everyone who loses a loved one feels
grief at the time of death.
Reality: Some people do their grieving
before the actual death (anticipatory grief) Some people put grief on
hold (delayed grief)
Alan D. Wolfelt, PH.D., shares what he believes are the Six Needs of Mourning
Need 1: Acknowledge the reality of the death.
Need 2: Feel the pain of the loss.
Need 3: Remember the person who died.
Need 4: Develop a new self-identity.
Need 5: Search for meaning.
Need 6: Receive ongoing support from caring people.
We at The Lutheran Home Care Agency are pleased to be able to offer a variety of resources for all who are traveling through grief. Our Lending Library has resources that touch, not only on grief and bereavement issues, but on many vital topics relating to end-of-life care and support. We also have information specifically geared for children, and for teens. The resources in our Lending Library, are available to anyone who feels that they may be of help to them, or to someone they care about. You may view a list of our resources at: www.LHMINC.org, or stop in at the Lutheran Home Care Agency:
9710 Junction Rd.
Frankenmuth, MI 48734
Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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