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Videos, resources, newsletter, and an online therapeutic grief program created by Dr. Jason Troyer.
» National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
Committed to improving end of life care and expanding access to hospice care with the goal of profoundly enhancing quality of life for people dying in America and their loved ones.
The following is a list of area support groups, resources and grief support websites. Please contact us for additional information or referrals.
Hospice Support Group: Good Samaritan Hospital Hospice
Understanding Grief, Helping Yourself Heal
This support group is sponsored by Good Samaritan Hospice. Lisa Anderson, LPC, Good Samaritan Hospice, will facilitate the group. The group meets on the second Monday of each month from 4 to 5 p.m. Please call Lisa Anderson at 308-865-7090 with any questions. This group is free and open to all who have suffered the loss of a loved one.
AseraCare Hospice: Helping Ourselves as We Grieve
Grieving the loss of a loved one or a friend can be one of the most difficult times in our lives. Understanding our grief and connecting with others who are grieving can help ease our pain and lead us to finding comfort in grief. This 5-week support group will provide information on healthy and normal grieving and provide an opportunity to share our grief with others.
There is no cost for this group. Trained facilitators will lead the group and provide educational material on related topics. There will be an opportunity for group members to reconnect in a follow up meeting after the 4-week program is completed.
Topics will include:
- I'm Not Going Crazy, I'm Grieving -- Review grieving as normal and healthy part of living
- Tidal Waves of Pain -- Memories, feelings, thoughts, and behaviors we experience as we grieve
- Things Get Tricky When We are Grieving -- Exploring the unique challenges group participants faced in their grief
- Rediscovering Old Strengths and Finding New Ones -- Review of coping skills and personal strengths that help us through our grief
Grief Support Groups led by AseraCare Hospice
Men's Spouse Loss Support Group - Peterson Senior Center, Kearney, NE - Meets Every 2nd Monday - 1:00 p.m.
Women's Spouse Loss Support Group - Peterson Senior Center, Kearney, NE - Meets Every 4th Monday - 1:00 p.m.
Camp Bear
A day long "camp" for children who have experienced the death of a loved one (held in July). Call Lisa Anderson, LPC, at Good Samaritan Hospital at 308-865-7090 for more information.
A Better Choice Counseling Services: Eva Nickel-Drabek
Offers individual grief counseling for those in need. Eva can be reached at 308-234-2855.
GriefShare
A special weekly seminar and support group for people who are grieving the death of someone close to them. It's a place to be around people who understand what you are feeling. At GriefShare, you'll learn valuable information about recovering from your grief and renewing your hope for the future.
First United Methodist Church, Kearney (contact Judy Spellman at 308-237-5516)
New Life Assembly, Kearney (contact the church at 308-234-1881 or Rod & Annette Zeller at 308-234-6516)
Lighthouse Point Counseling Center
Located at 2315 West 39th Street in Kearney, the center offers individual grief counseling for those in need. Another support group is Families in Crisis, which meets twice a year, in the spring and the fall. Dr. Victor Karg and Dr. Paul Welter moderate these groups along with staff at the counseling center. Contact them at 308-237-0408.
Mourning Tips
1) A nurturing supportive social network is needed. Loneliness increases the risk of illness and is common for a person who is mourning. It is important to stay in touch with friends and relatives at this time. Participation in a self-help group may also be beneficial.
2) Adequate nutrition is necessary. A weight gain or loss of more than 25 pounds may make one more likely to have physiological or emotional problems. Daily portions of food from each of the basic food groups are essential.
3) Adequate fluid intake is essential. Fluids are necessary to eliminate body wastes and to maintain the proper electrolyte balance. Feelings of tightness in the throat or diminished appetite could be from lack of fluids. Beverages with caffeine, such as coffee, tea or colas, and alcoholic beverages cause further dehydration and should be limited. There is nothing quite as healthy for you as a glass of water.
4) Daily exercise is important. Muscles must be kept in good tone in order to properly serve our bodies. Walking vigorously for about 20 minutes a day, various stretching exercises and general activity are going to benefit you. Chemicals in the brain, which cause feelings of alertness and happiness, are stimulated by exercise.
5) Daily rest. To avoid radically altering your sleep cycle and sleeping more in the day, it is important to continue with your same rest patterns. If you are unable to sleep through the night, an hour's rest at mid-day may be necessary. If you are experiencing great difficulty with sleep, you might try eating a small amount of food high in carbohydrates about 90 minutes before bedtime. A good breakfast high in proteins is a good way to start off the day and gives you a good boost. If this change does not aid your ability to sleep, you should consult your physician. The use of any medications should be supervised.
