Bereavement

The serious illness or death of a loved one is a tragic experience, often leaving family and friends in despair with many unanswered questions.

The cohesiveness of the family often can be shattered as family members deal with their grief. While grief can be frightening, it is normal.

Symptoms of grief can include the following:

• Disbelief
• Confusion
• Helplessness
• Pre-occupation
• Anxiety
• Sleep or eating changes
• Lack of energy
• Weakness
• Crying or numbness
• Overactivity or withdrawal

Lee Health recognizes the impact of loss and offers free ongoing support to the families of patients who have died or are terminally ill.

Professionals with expertise in the field of grief and bereavement work with families to help them through the grief process, identify and address potential problems, and make referrals when necessary.

Consultation and referral to doctors, social workers, mental health specialists and chaplains are available as needed. Support services are offered in the home, at the office or by telephone.

Bereavement services provided:

• Ongoing emotional support for families touched by serious illness or death 
• Referral to community services
• Educational materials
• Grief education programs for community groups, schools, businesses and professional organizations

Who is eligible for services? Services are offered on both self-referral and referral basis.

For more information or to request services, contact Spiritual Services at 239-343-5199.

Click on the links below for additional information and helpful tips on dealing with the loss of a loved one:

Grief: 
Goodtherapy.org: Grief, Loss, and Bereavement
 
Bereavement Meal assistance:
Signupgenius.com: Online Meal Volunteer Sheet

Funeralwise.com: Sympathy Meals
 
Social Media Information:
Washingtonnational.com: How to handle social media accounts of deceased loved ones
 
USPS:
USPS: Mail for Deceased
 
Do Not contact list:
DMAchoice.org: Deceased Do Not Contact Registration