Meeting Emotional Needs
River Region Hospice employs a team of licensed psychotherapists on hand throughout the hospice journey providing emotional support, counseling, and psychoeducation. Experienced in working with those facing serious illness, our social workers work with each family receiving services to assess and define emotional needs. If requested by the family, an effective and timely intervention is developed during individual or family sessions with an emphasis on utilizing strengths identified.
It is the River Region Hospice philosophy to help people in the way they want to be helped. Our psychotherapists are at your disposal to:
- Offer emotional support and reflective listening
- Provide individual or family counseling to address the emotional issues that may arise
- Assist with planning rest and renewal for the caregiver – A well-rested caregiver is more alert, patient, and genuine.
- Deliver psychoeducation on such topics as: communication skills & coping mechanisms – During this very emotionally draining time, breakdowns in communication are inevitable. Communication skills are valuable regarding caregiving and providing support.
- Assist with reaching the goals set by the family
- Provide bereavement and grief counseling for up to 13 months after the loss of a loved one
- Advocate for and promote the hospice recipient’s right to dignity and self-determination
When is emotional support provided by River Region Hospice?
From the initial consultation meeting til up to 13 months following the loss of a loved one, psycho-therapeutic support is available through the licensed therapist assigned to each family. After receiving a referral, a member of the River Region Hospice Team is sent to meet with the patient. Seating is not limited at these consultations; everyone is welcome. The purpose of the consultation is to answer any and all questions about hospice in general, the River Region Hospice program, and most importantly how the patient will benefit from our hospice services. This initial informational session is free of charge and does not require a physician’s order. The same therapist follows the family throughout hospice treatment regardless of whether services are being delivered in the home, in the hospice house, or in the extended care facility.
The River Region Hospice Bereavement Program
River Region Hospice Bereavement Services include:
- Assessment
- Counseling
- Spiritual Healing
- Correspondence Therapy
- Invitation to our Annual Memorial Service
- Access to The Volunteer Program
- Links to Community Resources
What is grief?
Grieving is a normal reaction to loss. The process has no timeline, and each person’s experience is personal and unique. Common emotions felt during grief include sadness, anxiety, guilt, anger, and relief. The grieving person may experience sleep problems, appetite changes, inability to concentrate, forgetfulness, as well as frequent crying. Lack of energy, exhaustion, and numbness can also be manifestations of grief.
Emotional and spiritual bereavement services
River Region Hospice provides support for those grieving the loss, or the anticipation of a loss, of a loved one. Bereavement services are provided by the same team that cared for the patient. The efficacy of bereavement counseling is promoted when working with a therapist with whom you already have a relationship. Emotional support services are coordinated with spiritual support services. Access to our professional chaplain is also a benefit of the bereavement program.
Our Correspondence Program
The correspondence program offers information on a wide range of topics such as: the grieving process, depression, anger, and loneliness as well as some practical suggestions on coping with those emotions.
Our Annual Memorial Service
The 2011 Memorial Service offered a time of reflection and remembrance. Families and friends were given an opportunity to remember their loved one through a visual presentation, a candle-lightning ceremony, and a balloon release.
The 2011 Memorial Service was held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 18, 2011 at Riverside Baptist Church.
Community Support Programs
- Addiction Help Line [866-300-6205]
- Alcoholics Anonymous [504-836- 0507, 504-838-3399]
- Cope Line by Via Link [504-269-2673, 800-749-2673] is a 24-hour emergency social service agency that provides services for persons in crisis including counseling and connection to community resources.
- Community Support Group Services
- Grief Support Group Program – Yenni Treatment Center, East Jefferson Hospital; 504-456-5000
- Seasons Grief Center – 654 Brockenbraugh Court, Metairie; 504-834-5957
- Celebration Hope Center – 1901 B Airline Dr., Metairie 70001; 504-833-4673
- St. Christopher Catholic Church – Grief Support Group – 309 Manson Ave., Metairie 70001; 504-837-8214
- Behavioral Medicine Center – Grief Services – 229 Belle Meade Blvd., Gretna 70056; 504-391-2440
- Jefferson Parish Human Services Authority – [2400 Edenborn Ave., Metairie; 504-838-5257, 504-838-5700, 504-349-8833]
- Jewish Family Service of Greater New Orleans [504-831-8475]
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline [800-273-8255]
Make a Referral
Do you know someone who would benefit from River Region Hospice? Click here to make a referral.
River Region Hospice House
Choose treatment at your house or our free-standing home-like Hospice House.
Contact Us
507 Upstream Street
River Ridge, LA 70123
Referral Line: 504-739-1205
Fax: 504-739-3993
Email Us
Links & Resources
See a complete list of helpful hospice resources
Website content written by
Michael C. Clark, MSW, LCSW