The hospice movement dates back to the 11th century and represents the compassionate concern for the physical and emotional needs of the terminally ill. In modern times, that concern also applies to the family and friends who are often a part of the extended care-giving team.
While it’s obvious that family and friends have long-term relationships with the dying person, it’s equally true that hospice staff and volunteers develop relationships with the dying people, and they too become grievers when the inevitable ending happens. Hospitals, clinics, and doctors offices all inspire fear in the patients who enter them. Not because those places are scary, but because when we go to the doctor we are afraid that we will learn something about our health that could be serious or even terminal.
Since most medical practitioners are focused on the scientific aspects of their patients concerns, they don’t always recognize that the patient and the attending family members are frightened by the potential of hearing news about a loss of health. Terminal illness is obviously the most terrifying bad news, but losses of sight, hearing, functional use of limbs, and more, are just of few of the grief events that can be revealed, sometimes by just a routine check-up. With those aspects of the Hospice and Hospital communities in mind, here are five positive benefits the Grief Recovery Method Certification
Training can offer for anyone who is directly involved:
1. Everyone in a hospice or hospital situation is a griever.
Having a clear awareness that everyone you interact with is dealing with a loss helps you set a compassionate, understanding tone, without judgment or condescension.
2. In order to be helpful and available to others, you must first help yourself.
Since the Grief Recovery Training will help you deal with your past losses, you will be more open and free to listen to the people you tend to as they struggle with their impending loss.
3. Very few people know what to say or not say when talking about grief and loss.
The Grief Recovery training will help you with specific language so you needn’t be afraid of talking with the patients and their families.
4. Many people are afraid of their feelings when they’re with loved ones who or are ill or dying.
As a result of that fear, they sometimes limit their interactions and rob the dying person and themselves of emotionally meaningful connections. You can help them stay present and keep connected.
5. Never Again Have To Ask, “What More Could I Have Done For the Family?”
Most of the people around grievers don’t know how to act. Consequently, they inadvertently do and say things that isolate the very people they wish to comfort. The training will help you guide those who’ve gathered to support the surviving family members and friends.
It’s essential that Hospice and Medical personnel have the latest and best knowledge about grief—the normal and natural reaction to loss. A big heart and good intentions aren’t enough.
Some people may think we believe that Grief Recovery is the be-all, end-all answer to everything, but that’s not the way we see it. We believe that dealing effectively with grief is the best new beginning you can give the families you serve as they begin the rest of their lives without someone important to them.