Pathways: Programs for Grief & Loss

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 info@pathways-care.org

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.

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 gayle.osterberg@pathways-care.org.