Bereavement support
No one should grieve alone
At Sharp HospiceCare, we understand that patients, families and caregivers all experience grief differently. We know grieving is painful and at times lonely. Our mission is to provide bereavement support in a respectful, dignified manner for those working through the grief process.
Our team of trained professionals specialize in grief counseling, the grief process and its effect on daily life. Counselors provide a safe, supportive, confidential environment for families to cope with the feelings and issues of dealing with the loss of a loved one and coming to terms with that loss.
Our counselors will work with you to help facilitate communication among family members, guide discussions and expressions of painful feelings and help you adjust to a changing life. We are here to support you through this time, and can provide prebereavement services as needed.
Bereavement services help those grieving to learn effective ways to cope with their grief and loss, and return to a focus on living. Services include:
Bereavement classes and support groups throughout San Diego
Community education and assistance with issues such as sudden and traumatic loss, adolescent grief and healing and grief in the workplace
Family and individual counseling for adults, adolescents and children who are survivors of the hospice patient
Telephone support by a bereavement counselor to provide assessment, reassurance and comfort
Memory Bear Program to help bring comfort to you and your loved ones
A monthly newsletter is sent for 13 months after the loss of a loved one to provide assistance in coping with the various changes experienced. Subscriptions are free for Hospice families and $25 for community members.
To subscribe to our newsletter, call 1-800-681-9188.
Download the following PDFs to read our newsletter:
What to expect after the loss of a loved one
No matter how we may try, nothing can prepare us for loss. There is no way to know how you'll cope with losing a loved one until it actually happens. Grief is powerful and personal.
Grieving is a natural healing process that moves slowly from the pain of loss to hope for the future. Some normal and natural reactions to losing a loved one include:
Crying at unexpected times
Desire to be active, but having difficulty concentrating
Difficulty sleeping and/or frequent dreams or visions of your loved one
Empty feeling in the stomach and loss (or gain) of appetite
Experiencing guilt or anger over things that happened or did not happen in your relationships
Experiencing sudden mood changes over the slightest things, or without explanation
Feeling angry at your loved one for leaving you
Feeling as though the loss did not actually happen — this may include expecting him/her to walk in the door at the usual time, hearing his/her voice or seeing his/her face
Feeling concerned over continuing to live without your loved one
Needing to tell and retell the experience of your loved one's death
Sensitivity to talking about your feelings of loss because other people seem uncomfortable
Tightness in the throat or heaviness in the chest
Try to take things one minute at a time, one hour at a time, one day at a time.
Consider designating a family member or friend to help you make phone calls, keep a list of gifts and donations and tend to business matters.
Gather your loved one's personal belongings to take home with you from the hospital. If you need assistance, a caregiver may be able to help with the transportation of these items.
If final arrangements — burial, cremation or other services — were not made in advance, arrangements can be made through a mortuary or cremation service. Once an organization has been chosen, notify the charge nurse or nursing supervisor at the hospital where your loved one received care.
You may be asked to provide your loved one's information to the mortuary or cremation service, such as: date of birth, full name, occupation, place of birth, proof of military service (if patient was a veteran), Social Security number, list of affiliated groups (religious, professional, civic or clubs), list of immediate family members and relationship, name and address of any organization or charity you wish to have donations made to in memory.
If your loved one was employed, notify the employer about the death. You may also consider contacting your employer, and if children are part of the immediate family, notify their schools.
If you wish to have a religious service, contact the appropriate clergyman or clergywoman or religious official.
The mortuary or cremation service will provide you with copies of the death certificate. Multiple copies can be requested, and as many as 10 to 15 copies are recommended.
If your loved one was an active member of the military or a veteran, you may be eligible to receive assistance with the funeral, burial plot and other benefits.
To learn if the spouse and/or dependent children of the deceased may be eligible for Social Security benefits, contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.
Bank(s) or financial institution(s) concerning any individual or joint accounts held in your loved one's name. This may involve closing the accounts or transferring their control. You will also need to discuss the status of any certificates of deposit (CDs), bonds, individual retirement accounts (IRAs) or other savings accounts.
Clubs or organizations in which your loved one was a volunteer or a dues-paying member.
Companies who manage any certificates of title, including titles to a home, motor vehicle, real estate or recreational vehicle.
Creditors, including any financial institutions or companies that issued loans or credit cards in your loved one's name.
Employer regarding additional benefits for survivors, including final paycheck for vacation or sick leave, workers' compensation benefits (if the death was work related), possible payments from a pension plan or death benefits from a union or professional organization.
Executor or trustee to locate the will or trust, if one has been prepared.
Health insurance company or employer to terminate coverage for the deceased while continuing benefits for spouse and/or dependent children, if necessary.
Landlord if your loved one was living alone. Inspect residence for important documents and valuable possessions and ensure they are protected against theft or damage.
Other insurance policies your loved one may have had, such as life, accidental death, mortgage or loan, auto, credit card and/or motor clubs.
Post office to forward your loved one's mail.
Tax accountant or tax lawyer to determine if an estate tax return or final income tax return should be filed.
Utility companies to alter or discontinue service if necessary.
Learn more
Bereavement services are free for Sharp HospiceCare families for up to 13 months after the death of a loved one and may be used regularly, either during a crisis or for short-term support. Community services are also provided to those without a prior Sharp HospiceCare relationship.
To learn more about Sharp HospiceCare services, or to speak to a bereavement coordinator, call 619-667-1900.