Holy Name Medical Center Hospice and Palliative Services are offering several programs to provide compassionate support and education to those who are bereaved.

Many individuals who have experienced the loss of a loved one find comfort in sharing feelings with others. “Sharing the Journey” bereavement groups were developed as part of our bereavement program to provide support and guidance during the grieving process. The groups are non-sectarian and are facilitated by trained bereavement counselors.

“Sharing the Journey” is open to those who have experienced loss in the past year, and it meets for eight consecutive weeks. In order to accommodate the needs of our participants, group meetings are being offered at several times. At Holy Name Medical Center, 718 Teaneck Road, Teaneck, NJ, groups will be offered Tuesday evenings beginning January 5 from 6 to 7:30 p.m., or Wednesday mornings beginning January 6 from 10 to 11:30.

A third choice will meet at Villa Marie Claire, 12 West Saddle River Road, Saddle River, NJ, on Tuesday afternoons beginning January 5 from 12:30 to 2.

Villa Marie Claire is Holy Name’s residential hospice, which provides comfort and care for people with advanced illness and their families in a gracious and supportive setting.

Because grieving for the loss of a child is a special kind of grief, a bereavement group specifically for those who have lost a child is also being offered. “Understanding Your Grief after the Death of Your Child” is part of the “Sharing the Journey” series and is designed for parents and grandparents. This group will run for 10 weeks beginning on Tuesday, January 5, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Holy Name Medical Center.

There is no charge to attend any of the bereavement support groups, but pre-registration is mandatory. For information and registration, please call Lenore Guido at (201) 833-3000 extension 7580.