Grief involving the loss of a loved one or close friend brings forth a wide range of emotions and responses that may be difficult to understand or handle. Our Bereavement Counselors assess the needs of the primary caregiver following the death of each patient in our program. We provide in-home, telephone, or educational grief support as needed and/or requested. Hospice of Southern Illinois Bereavement Counselors also has access to a multitude of community resources that may help one grieving- such as community grief support services. In addition, our Bereavement team can provide coordination with the patient’s and families’ faith community if requested. All Hospice of Southern Illinois employees respect our patients’ and families’ spiritual and lifestyle choices.
Bereavement Counselors
Grief is a painful, complex emotion faced by both the hospice patient and the patient’s loved ones. A hospice patient’s pain or grief can be emotional, spiritual, and physical. Many hospice patients and their loved ones find it helpful to speak with a Bereavement Counselor about the questions and anxiety associated with end-of-life. Hospice of Southern Illinois Bereavement Counselors are ready to support the hospice patient and their family through all aspects of the grief process. 
Hospice of Southern Illinois’ involvement with the patient’s loved ones does not end with the death of the patient. Our Bereavement Counselors remain in contact with the family and caregivers for a year following the patient’s death. Bereavement Counselors may personally visit the patient’s loved ones, listen to their stories, answer questions, provide information concerning the grief process, and offer opportunities for group support and memorial gatherings.
Call 618-222-5905 for Belleville-area contacts and 618-997-3030 for Marion-area contacts anytime to speak with a trained Bereavement Counselor.
Social Workers
Hospice of Southern Illinois social workers help individuals and families adjust to major life challenges and changes. They work with these individuals and families to develop a plan of support, ensure the plan is put into action, and consistently follow up with the patient and the patient’s family. Our licensed social workers enhance the meaning and quality of a patient’s life by providing emotional support to the patient and family. They can also assist in counseling in dealing with end-of-life issues including assisting with advance directives and understanding Medicare, Medicaid, or other insurance benefits. Social workers also help patients and families in finding and coordinating community resources, such as FMLA paperwork, handicap placards, and veterans’ benefits, that they may need outside of hospice services. All hospice patients are assigned a social worker specifically for their situation that stays with them and their loved ones throughout the hospice process.
Grief Support Programs
Coping with Grief- Many times survivors find comfort in learning about their grief in a structured learning environment. Coping With Grief is a FREE educational series provided to the community at various times each year. These series are presented by the Hospice of Southern Illinois in Marion, IL. For information or to register for the next series, please call the Marion office of Hospice of Southern Illinois at 800-233-1708.
Memorial Gathering: Tree of Life
Many Hospice of Southern Illinois families, caregivers, and survivors find comfort in memorializing their loved ones in the company of other grievers. Tree of Life, held annually during the holiday season is an opportunity to pay tribute to the memories of loved ones who have died and to share memories with others who have also suffered a loss. This memorial service is held on the first Sunday of December at our two separate locations in Belleville and Marion.
Links Related to Grieving
- Griefshare.org
- CaringInfo.org
- CallForHelpInc.org
- SAVE.org (suicide awareness)
- HospiceFoundation.org
- CompassionateFriends.com (loss of a child)
- Dougy.org (children’s grief)
- AARP.org
- Alz.org (National Alzheimer’s Association)
- Parkinson.org (National Parkinson’s Foundation)
- Nacg.org (National Alliance for Children’s Grief)
- Annieshope.org (Children’s Grief)
- Coping4life.com
- Healgrief.org
- Helpguide.org
- Modernloss.com