When navigating end of life decisions, there often seem to be more questions than answers. This section is designed to help you get quick answers to frequently asked questions and understand where loved ones may be in their journey.
Grief and family supports
The Lifesong care team is here to walk with you on your journey through grief and bereavement. From the time of death to a year after, our team is here to support you through counseling, companionship or conversation in virtual or in-person interactions.
Support groups
Our Healing Hearts Club brings together survivors who may be experiencing different stages of grief. No matter if it is a recent loss or it is taking months or years to process, there is no “right way” to grieve. However, what is always needed is a safe and supportive space to share experiences and learn from each other.
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Explaining death to children
Children understand more than we think and often handle death better than some of the adults around them. Death can be explained the same way other important milestones are communicated: in a simple, honest, straightforward and caring way.
- Ask what the child already knows or thinks about death.
- Validate feelings and encourage children to share their thoughts, fears and observations. Explain that feelings of being sad, mad and confused are ok and it is safe to cry and not hide their feelings.
- Explain the circle of life and that all living things will die someday.
- Use examples of what death means (example: Grandma’s heart stopped beating.) and how it is different than being asleep (example: All body parts work when you are sleeping. When a person dies, the body has stopped working.)
- Prepare for what to expect at a funeral or memorial service and the cemetery by discussing what the child will see and hear. Knowing who will be there and what they will be asked to say and do helps take the surprise out of the experience.
Survivors guide when death occurs
The following guide provides a helpful checklist of tasks to do upon the death of a loved one.