07 Aug Grief is Included in the Hospice Plan of Care
When a loved one enters hospice care, most of the focus understandably turns to comfort, safety, and dignity during the final stage of life. But hospice care does not stop with the patient. The emotional needs of the family matter just as much, and grief support is an essential part of the plan. Families walking through the final months, weeks, and days with someone they loved are already carrying the weight of the loss. Aegis recognizes that grief starts long before the funeral.
Anticipatory Grief Deserves Attention
Anticipatory grief is the sorrow that begins before death. It can show up in many ways: sadness, guilt, confusion, anxiety, and even anger. Family members may find themselves mourning the loss of who their loved one used to be, especially in cases of dementia or long-term illness. They may feel overwhelmed with decisions, exhausted by caregiving, or quietly devastated by the thought of what lies ahead.
Aegis hospice teams are trained to walk with families through this part of the journey. Social workers, chaplains, and grief counselors are available to talk, offer guidance, and listen without judgment. They help create space for the emotions that often go unspoken during daily care.
Support Does Not End After the Funeral
Many people are surprised to learn that hospice support continues after a loved one has passed away. Aegis offers bereavement support for 13 months following a death. This can include group support, phone check-ins, and resources for navigating the first holidays, anniversaries, and milestones.
We do not expect families to “move on” quickly or figure it out alone. Grief is personal, and there is no timeline for healing. What matters is that no one is left without support when the house grows quiet and when the routines shift.
The Grief Process Is Part of the Journey
Hospice care is built on the belief that dying is a natural part of life, and so is grief. Including bereavement in the plan of care is not an afterthought. It is a promise that your emotional well-being matters. Grief support honors the relationship, the history, and the love that continues after loss.
Whether you are facing the final days of someone’s life or adjusting to the days after, know that help is available. You are not alone in your grief, and you do not have to carry it in silence. Aegis is here to support the whole family, every step of the way.