Electing hospice means that patients and families have access to emotional and grief support throughout and after their hospice journey. We understand you and your loved ones will probably go through a wide range of feelings. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, and each person will have his or her own way and timeline for grieving. Counselors, chaplains, social workers and music therapists provide support and guidance for patients and families who are affected from a life-limiting illness. Having a wide range of disciplines and professionals available for help allows for the VNA to offer a wider range of service.
The VNA’s bereavement team provides individual counseling, heads support groups and hosts public bereavement events including a Ceremony of Remembrance to help anyone in need of support. We also offer Camp Chrysalis, a bereavement-focused camp, offered at different times throughout the year is made possible by the Otis G. Pike Charitable Trust and Quail Valley Charities, and is designed especially for children ages 5-13. These important services that help people through an emotional and difficult journey are fully funded through charitable donations.
Spiritual Support
VNA Hospice’s non-denominational chaplains work with patients and families who choose to include spiritual support in their hospice plan. The Chaplains can provide comfort and a listening ear during this difficult time as well as offer practical help. They can also assist you and your loved one in contacting your clergy or locating representation of your own religious traditions.
Ceremony of Remembrance
One of VNA Hospice’s landmark programs is its Ceremony of Remembrance. This event is held twice a year for those who have experienced the loss of a loved one and honors hospice patients and families served by the VNA. Family and friends have the opportunity to share photos and memories during the ceremony.
Camp Chrysalis
For a child, the loss of a loved one can be devastating and understanding the feelings that come afterwards can be confusing. VNA’s Camp Chrysalis, a bereavement-focused camp, offers a way for children who have experienced a death to better understand and cope with their emotions. The camp is offered at different times throughout the year.
Camp Chrysalis offers a combination of fun, outdoor activities and therapeutic sessions for the children. The camp is staffed by VNA trained counselors and staff and the camp activities are designed to help children work through their grief and understand that their emotions are a normal part of the grieving process. Camp Chrysalis includes:
- Recreational activities
- Therapeutic exercises
- Mediation
- Aromatherapy
- Music therapy
Camp Chrysalis may be the first step on their personal grief journey, and it is currently the only camp in our community focused on children and their unique and personal bereavement needs. There is no cost to attend Camp Chrysalis, but children must be an Indian River County resident between the ages 5-13.
If you would like to make a donation to support the VNA’s Bereavement Programs, click here.