Pathways: Programs for Grief & Loss

Grief is the normal and natural response to the loss of someone or something important to you. It is a natural part of life. Following a death or loss, you may feel empty and numb, as if you are in shock. You may notice physical changes as well. Feelings of deep sadness and sorrow are common in grief. Often, people find themselves engaging in behaviors that are different or unusual, or thinking in ways that are unfamiliar. Finding their beliefs challenged in grief, many people experience a kind of spiritual crisis following loss.TYPES OF GRIEF AND LOSSAnticipatory Mourning When a person or family is expecting death, it is normal to begin to anticipate how one will react and cope when that person eventually dies. Anticipatory mourning is a natural process that enables the family more time to slowly prepare for the reality of the loss. Sudden Loss Grief experienced after a sudden, unexpected death is different from anticipatory mourning. Sudden, unexpected loss may exceed the coping abilities of a person. Even though one may be able to acknowledge that loss has occurred, the full impact of loss may take much longer to fully comprehend than in the case of an expected loss.Complicated Grief There are times when grief does not progress as expected. Symptoms of depression and anxiety may be prevalent and prolonged. Thoughts, feelings, behaviors and reactions may seem to persist over long periods of time with little change or improvement.FINDING HELP FOR YOURSELF OR A LOVED ONEThere is help and support if you or a loved one is grieving a loss. Counseling and support services can be a guide through some of the challenges of grieving as a person adjusts to their loss. Grief support and counseling can be provided by professionals. Self-help groups are often available and are there for participants to support one another. For more information on grief and loss support, contact Pathways: Programs for Grief and Loss at (970) 663-3500.This article was submitted by Cynthia Hays, of Pathways Hospice. She can be reached at(970) 663-3500.

Finding Healing and Hope: How Pathways Supports Grieving Individuals and Families Across Northern ColoradoGrief touches every life at some pointquietly, unexpectedly, or with overwhelming force. Whether someone is mourning a spouse, a parent, a child, a friend, or coping with the impact of illness or caregiving, grief can reshape a persons world in ways that feel isolating and difficult to navigate alone. In Fort Collins and the Northern Colorado region, Pathways: Programs for Grief & Loss has become a trusted source of comfort, guidance, and emotional support for people at all stages of life.As a nonprofit organization with decades of service, Pathways is known for its compassionate approach to grief care, offering evidence-based support groups, individual counseling, educational workshops, and healing programs that help individuals move forward at their own pace. Their services reflect Northern Colorados values of community, connection, and resilience.Why Grief Support Matters in Northern ColoradoNorthern Colorado is home to families with deep roots, strong community ties, and multigenerational relationships. When loss occurswhether expected or suddenmany individuals feel they must stay strong for others or navigate emotions privately. But grief is not meant to be carried alone.Pathways offers a supportive and safe space where people can: Share their story Understand the emotional and physical effects of grief Learn healthy coping strategies Connect with others experiencing similar losses Reduce feelings of loneliness and overwhelm Begin to rebuild hope and meaning From Fort Collins to Loveland, Greeley, Windsor, Estes Park, and beyond, individuals across Northern Colorado rely on Pathways to help them through some of the hardest seasons of life.A Mission Rooted in Compassion and ConnectionPathways approaches grief support with a combination of professionalism, empathy, and community awareness. Every persons grief journey is different, and Pathways tailors its programs to honor that uniqueness.Grief isnt something people are expected to get over. Its something we walk through togetherwith compassion, validation, and gentle guidance, says Evan Hyatt of Pathways.This philosophy allows Pathways to create an environment where individuals feel seen, heard, and supported at every step.Programs That Address the Full Spectrum of GriefPathways offers a wide range of programs designed to support people through diverse types of loss. Their services are grounded in research, therapeutic principles, and years of community experience.1. Individual Grief CounselingLicensed counselors provide one-on-one support for individuals who prefer personalized sessions or who are navigating complex emotional challenges.2. Support GroupsGroup support helps participants feel less alone. Pathways offers groups for: Spousal loss Parent loss Child loss Loss of a friend or sibling Anticipatory grief (before a loss occurs) Caregiver grief and burnout General grief support Teen and youth groups Support groups are facilitated by professionals trained in grief and bereavement.3. Healing Workshops & ClassesWorkshops may include: Art therapy Journaling for grief Mindfulness and meditation Music and movement Coping skills sessions These programs help individuals explore healing through creative and introspective methods.4. Community Memorial EventsAnnual remembrance ceremonies and community gatherings give people opportunities to honor loved ones and connect with others.Serving All of Northern Colorado With Heart and ProfessionalismPathways serves a broad region across Northern Colorado, including: Fort Collins Loveland Greeley Windsor Estes Park Wellington Johnstown Berthoud And rural surrounding areas Their team understands the diverse backgrounds, cultures, and emotional needs within the region, allowing them to deliver care that is truly personal and relevant.A Dedicated Team Who Walks Beside YouThe Pathways grief support team includes: Licensed grief counselors Social workers Mental health professionals Bereavement specialists Program coordinators Community educators Skilled volunteers Each team member is trained to support emotional safety, help individuals express their feelings, and guide them toward healthy coping tools. Their presence creates an environment where vulnerability and healing can coexist.Support for Children, Teens, and FamiliesChildren and teens experience grief differently from adults. Pathways offers specialized youth programs that help younger individuals understand and express their emotions in developmentally appropriate ways.Youth services may include: Age-specific support groups One-on-one counseling Art and play therapy Family-based activities School-based grief education These services help young people feel less alone, reduce emotional distress, and build resilience.Guidance for Caregivers and Anticipatory GriefMany Northern Colorado families face emotional strain while caring for a loved one with chronic or terminal illness. Pathways supports these individuals through anticipatory grief programs designed to: Reduce caregiver burnout Help families understand changing emotions Provide coping skills Offer compassionate listening and support This proactive approach helps families prepare emotionally and maintain well-being during difficult transitions.Partnering With the Northern Colorado CommunityPathways collaborates with: Hospice and palliative care organizations Local hospitals Schools and universities Faith-based communities Mental health providers Senior-focused organizations Local nonprofits These partnerships strengthen the network of support available to grieving individuals throughout the region.A Trusted Space for Healing, Understanding, and GrowthMany families who come to Pathways describe the experience as transformative. They often share that having a place to express feelings without judgment gave them strength when they felt most vulnerable. The supportive environment fosters: Emotional validation Self-compassion Connection with others Renewed hope Grief doesnt have a timelinebut with supportive guidance, people can find a path forward.Frequently Asked Questions (Northern Colorado-Specific)1. Do I need a referral to access grief support at Pathways?No. Anyone can contact Pathways directly for information or appointments.2. Are support groups available in multiple Northern Colorado cities?Yes. Groups are held in Fort Collins, Greeley, Loveland, and other community spaces.3. Do you offer support for children and teens?Yes. Pathways provides specialized youth grief programs and counseling.4. Is there a cost for grief services?Some services are free, while others may have a low fee. Pathways offers financial assistance when needed.5. Can I join a support group even if my loss occurred years ago?Absolutely. Grief has no timeline, and support is available whenever you are ready.Call to Action To learn more about support groups, counseling, and healing programs, visit Pathways: Programs for Grief & Loss on SeniorsBlueBook.com. Their compassionate team is ready to help you find understanding, peace, and hope during lifes most difficult seasons.

If you or a loved one receives a diagnosis of serious or chronic illness, we encourage you to seek the benefits of Supportive Services. Supportive Services is specialized medical care focused on providing patients with relief from the symptoms, pain and stress associated with serious illness. The goal is to provide the highest level of medical assistance, comfort, guidance and emotional support to improve the quality of life for both the patient and the family as they navigate through the illness. Individuals diagnosed with cancer, heart disease, respiratory disease, kidney failure, ALS, HIV/AIDS and Multiple Sclerosis may all benefit from Supportive Services but is certainly not limited to those ailments.Unlike hospice care, Supportive Services may be provided at any age and at any stage during a persons illness, no matter the diagnosis. Supportive Services may even start as early as the time of diagnosis. It is appropriate for patients who are on treatment for a curable disease, or living with a chronic ailment such as pulmonary disease. For the patient, Supportive Services can assist with shortness of breath, nausea, anxiety, depression, poor appetite, weakness and other challenging day-to-day symptoms. The goal is to ensure as much comfort and physical activity as possible.For the family, Supportive Services can assist in executing a plan of care that includes an understanding of the challenges that may arise; an assessment of the pros and cons of each medical intervention; acknowledgement of fears and concerns about the future, as well as guidance and education on community resources and financial issues. Any individual with a serious or chronic illness, with unmanaged symptoms, or in need of guidance and support with their illness may seek Supportive Services. Supportive Services are offered based on the patient and family needs. They can include:Home visits for symptom management from a physician, or advanced practice nurseHome visits (for patient and family members) to help with the stress of having a long-term illnessHome visits for guidance on making complex medical decisions, completing advanced directives and discussions on goals of careIndividual or family counseling, art or music therapy and support groups focusing on support for grief and serious illness.We each deserve access to treatment that will bring us comfort, relieve anxieties and maintain our dignity as we battle the challenges that come with a serious or chronic illness. If you or a loved one is going through such an experience, Supportive Services will provide compassionate care and improve the quality and productivity of your everyday life.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Gayle Osterberg, MSN, RN, CHPN. Gayle is a Clinical Educator with Pathways Hospice and may be reached at 970-663-3500 or by email at [email protected].

When a person makes the difficult decision to no longer continue curative measures for a terminal illness and seeks the help of a hospice care provider, most of the time they can receive all the care they need in the comfort of their own home or the care community where they live. However, there are times when a person needs a higher level of care to keep them comfortable.  More support than what can be provided in a home setting.  Many times, this higher level of care is provided in a hospital or other acute care setting. While this can be an adequate way to manage a patients pain and symptoms, it is not the best setting for complete care of the patients emotional and spiritual needs and, not the best setting for family and loved ones to help and be involved. These are the times when an inpatient care center or hospice house provides the medical support needed to manage acute pain and other symptoms while offering a comfortable, home-like setting. To meet the needs of patients who require inpatient level hospice care, and future growth of the northern Colorado community, a 12-bed inpatient care center designed to care for hospice patients with the most acute end-of-life needs is now available on the Pathways campus at 305 Carpenter Road between Fort Collins and Loveland. In this stand-alone facility, each of the 12 rooms can accommodate groups of visitors as well as family members who wish to stay overnight with a patient.  There is access to outdoor garden spaces where patients will be able to enjoy the outdoors from the comfort of their bed.  The Care Center also includes a non-denominational chapel, a large, shared communal kitchen, areas for quiet reflection and gardens and walkways throughout the site blending indoor and outdoor spaces. Editors Note: This article was submitted by Nate Lamkin, President of Pathways. He may be reached at (970) 663-3500 and [email protected]