Bereavement Program

In addition to providing care for terminally ill individuals and their families prior to a death, Hospice of Dubuque also provides bereavement support to hospice families after a death has occurred. Services consist of:

• a personal contact, six to eight weeks after the death of the hospice patient, by a member of the bereavement staff, to review the death experience and explore agency or community services that may be helpful
• a series of supportive mailings, available for twelve months after the death of the hospice patient, that provide information on the grief process and contain suggestions on how to cope with the range of emotions often experienced after a loss
• periodic six-week grief groups, which use a combination of personal sharing, journal-writing, reading assignments and the use of bereavement videos
• an annual memorial service celebrating the lives of Hospice of Dubuque patients who have died throughout the past year
• the annual Tree of Life Memorial Service celebrating the lives of those who have died  with an invitation extended to the entire community Tree of Life

Though priority is given to Hospice of Dubuque families wishing to receive bereavement services, support can be extended to other individuals in the community interested in bereavement support as well. Services are available at no cost, though donations are accepted.

Bereavement Support Group

WINTER 2009

January 13 thru February 17
Tuesday Evening from 6:30-8:30                      

January 14 thru February 18
Wednesday Morning from 10:00-12:00           

SPRING 2009

April 6 thru May 11
Monday Morning 10:00-12:00

April 8 thru May 13                 
Wednesday Afternoon from 3:30-5:30

For additional information on bereavement services,
contact the Hospice of Dubuque Bereavement Coordinator at 563.582.1220.