Home Health & Hospice Care

HHHC’s Support Groups

ADULT SUPPORT GROUPS

GRIEF RECOVERY

Home Health & Hospice Care's weekly grief support groups are now held three times a year, in the winter, spring and fall. The groups are offered to anyone grieving the death of a loved one and present an opportunity for people to receive needed support and to learn more about the grief process.

Group offerings for Winter 2010 include:

Parent Loss Support Group - for people grieving the death of a parent. Meets weekly on Tuesdays at 6:30 - 8:30 pm from January 12 to March 9.
Spousal Loss Support Group - for widows and widowers (under the age of 65). Meets weekly on Wednesdays at 6:30 - 8:30 pm from January 13 to March 10.
Elder Spousal Loss Group - for widows and widowers (over the age of 65). Meets weekly on Wednesdays at 1:00 - 3:00 pm from January 13 to March 10.

Participants must register in advance by contacting our Bereavement Coordinator at 603.424.3822 or at 1.800.887.5973, or email deb.pelletier@hhhc.org. Group sessions are free, though donations are gratefully accepted. Meetings are held at the Community Hospice House on 210 Naticook Road in Merrimack, NH.

JOURNEY THROUGH GRIEF

Anyone grieving the death of a friend or loved one may attend this monthly support group. At each session, different speakers share their insights on some aspect of grief, which is followed by small group discussion. Journey Through Grief is open to the public, with no registration required.

January - December 2010:

Journey Through Grief - Meets on the third Tuesdays of each month from 6:30 - 8:00 pm through December 21, 2010. Held at HHHC's Merrimack office on 80 Continental Boulevard, Merrimack, NH.

Contact our Bereavement Coordinator at 603.424.3822 or at 1.800.887.5973, or email at info@hhhc.org for further information.

CHILDREN and TEEN SUPPORT GROUPS

CHILDREN’S GOOD GRIEF PROGRAM

HHHC's bereavement team developed the Good Grief Program in 1988. The program is for any child aged 4-13 who is grieving the loss of a loved one. The children are encouraged to express their feelings through art projects, writing exercises, group discussions, puppet play, and other age-appropriate activities. The program offers bereaved children an opportunity to develop coping skills in a safe and trusting environment with other children who are experiencing similar losses. Groups are facilitated by trained volunteers; children are grouped according to age.

April 7 through May 26:

Children’s Good Grief Program (ages 4-13) - Meets weekly in the spring and fall. Pre-registration is required with a $10 registration fee per child to offset the cost of leasing space for the program. Held in Nashua.

For specifics, contact the Good Grief Coordinator at 603.424.3822 or at 1.800.887.5973 or email eleanor.owen@hhhc.org.

TEEN TOPICS

Teen Topics is a group open to teens ages 13-18 grieving the death of someone significant in their lives. Teens meet monthly for the academic year. Each session includes time for the teens to process what they are experiencing as well as an activity. Eleanor Owen and Tom Knapp are the facilitators; hospice volunteers with areas of expertise lead the activities such as collage, jewelry making, writing and yoga.

The goal of this group is to put teens in contact with other teens so that they understand that they are not alone in their grief experience. It also provides coping tools for the journey. This program is not therapy and not a substitute for therapy.

Teen Topics 2010 - Meets on the first Sunday of each month (except in April when it meets on the 2nd Sunday) from 3:00 - 5:00 pm at HHHC's Merrimack office on 80 Continental Boulevard, Merrimack, NH or at a pre-arranged off-site location. Pre-registration is required.

For more information, contact the Good Grief Coordinator at 603.424.3822 or at 1.800.887.5973 or email eleanor.owen@hhhc.org.

NOTE: Part of HHHC’s Good Grief services involve education for local teachers, counselors, and parents about childhood grief. If you would like more information about how the Bereavement Team may be of service to you or your organization please contact Deb Pelletier or Eleanor Owen at 603.424.3822 or at 1.800.887.5973 or email deb.pelletier@hhhc.org or eleanor.owen@hhhc.org.

ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT

ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE SUPPORT AND RESPITE PROGRAMS

HHHC's Alzheimer's Support Group is facilitated by a medical social worker who has worked for many years with patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's and dementia related disorders.

HHHC also offers subsidized respite care for the family members and caregivers of Alzheimer's patients. Respite care is a lifeline for caregivers who frequently become both physically and emotionally exhausted. Families who would like to apply for respite care from HHHC should call 603.882.2941.