West Michigan Harbor Hospice Muskegon, MI 1-800-497-9559

Harbor Hospice Residence Home Care serving Muskegon, Oceana, Ottawa, and Mason counties

A Supportive Resource During Times of Loss

Grief is a natural and normal response to the loss of some one special in our lives. It is not an illness or something to "get over," but rather something to "work through." Part of the work of grief is adjusting to the many changes that occur in our lives as a result of loss.

Grief support is an important part of the services Harbor Hospice offers to its families an the community. Licensed professionals offer a variety of resources to support families as they cope with loss following the death of their loved one.

Supporting Grieving Children

Most children have not yet developed the emotional tools necessary to help them work through the many stages of grief. They react to grief in a variety of ways, some of which can be very destructive if not addressed.

Harbor Hospice licensed grief counselors have specially designed programs to help children and youth cope with the death of a loved one or close friend. In addition to supporting families, counselors are also available to assist schools or churches during the loss of a student, teacher, or pastor. Harbor Hospice staff provide individual crisis counseling sessions for children and youth. Their skills are especially helpful when a family is grieving and it is difficult to care for the needs of a devastated child when everyone is in emotional pain.

Helping Yourself Through Grief

Accept help and support
Give yourself time
Be realistic in your expectations

Lean in to the pain of grief
Express your grief
Eat a well-balanced diet

Do some moderate exercise
Ask for help
Hold onto hope
Be patient with yourself

Contact Us Today:Find Out More:

Muskegon -- 231.728.3442
Oceana -- 231.873.0359

Mason -- 231.845.5060
Ottawa -- 616.844.3330

Some Helpful Resources Include:

Counseling services provided by grief counselors include supportive calls, education, and support groups. This type of counseling is provided for brief periods of time. Individuals or families requiring more extensive therapy will be referred to other counselors or agencies that will provide long-term counseling.
The Growing in Grief monthly mailings are sent to families for the first 13 months following the death of their loved one. These informative mailings help individuals cope with feelings of grief and loss.
Our lending library provides a variety of books on grief topics such as helping children cope, widow/widower concerns, and issues regarding the loss of a parent.
Specially trained Grief Support volunteers are available to support you as you move through your loss.
Holiday Workshops support individuals dealing with the sadness that comes with facing a holiday without their loved one.