Grief and Community Support Programs
We offer a variety of grief and community support programs to Foothills Community members, free of charge. Whether you have experienced the loss of a loved one or have a palliative diagnosis, we would like to walk alongside you. All community members are welcome to access our services, no prior connection to our hospice is required.
You can find more information on each of our specific programs and how to connect with us below.
Grief Support
We would like to support those who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Below you’ll find more information about our five Grief Support Programs. If any of these are of interest to you, please fill out the intake form below to connect with us.
Bereavement Boxes
Bereavement boxes support individuals following the loss of a loved one by providing thoughtfully curated grief resources, educational materials, and practical coping strategies. Each box offers tangible items that can bring comfort while also guiding individuals through grief experiences. Designed to be used at one’s own pace, these resources allow grieving individuals to engage when they feel ready, creating a sense of support, care, and connection.
Compassionate Conversations
Trained bereavement volunteers will arrange for regular calls with grieving family members to offer a supportive, compassionate ear as their grief journey unfolds. These calls create space for individual to share openly, and process there emotions. If issues arise that are more in-depth or require further support, volunteers will engage our social work team to ensure timely referrals and additional supports will be advised.
Expressive Arts
Our expressive arts program provides opportunities for individuals experiencing grief to socialize, connect, and share their experiences with others. Through a variety of therapeutic and creative workshops and events, participants can explore different forms of expression such as art, movement, and writing to safely process their emotions. These shared, supportive environments encourage healing, self discovery, and connection while honoring each person’s unique grief experience.
Grief Group
Our newly designed 6-week educational grief support group offers a structured and compassionate space for individuals navigating the loss of a loved one. Through guided discussions and informative sessions, participants will gain insight into the grief process while connecting with others who share similar experiences. This group fosters understanding, support, and meaningful connection.
Grief Counselling
Individual counselling is available to anyone in our community who has experienced a loss and who may benefit from more personalized support. We offer up to three 1:1 sessions with a social worker where participants will learn useful coping strategies while being supported in their grief experience. These sessions provide a safe, confidential space to receive individualized support tailored to you.
Community Support
We would like to support those in the Foothills Community who are living with a life limiting illness and who may benefit from volunteer companionship. Below you’ll find more information about our community support programs, Nav-CARE (nav-care.ca) and No One Dies Alone (NODA).
If Nav-CARE is of interest to you, please fill out the intake form below or contact our Program Coordinator at 587-834-8986 to discuss further.
Compassionate Communities
Compassionate Communities is a non-medical, volunteer companioning program that supports our adult community members who have a life limiting illness. Nav-CARE clients will be matched with an experienced palliative volunteer who will visit regularly, help to identify and navigate community resources, and nurture a safe and compassionate connection. Nav-CARE volunteers offer support that encourages independence and an improved quality of life.
No One Dies Alone (NODA)
NODA is a volunteer program that offers companionship and vigil when someone is expected to die within 48 to 72 hours and does not have family or friends available to be with them. Offered in partnership with High River General Hospital and Oilfields General Hospital, our Foothills NODA program is currently available at each hospital, as well as our hospice. This program ensures that no one faces the end of life alone.
“There is something about being with your peers in a safe and respectful environment. These people, who have personally experienced that hole left in your life fill a need that even the best intentions from family and friends cannot.”
– Anonymous
Palliative Volunteers
Connecting with our programs means connecting with a supportive team. Foothills Country Hospice has a large pool of Palliative and Bereavement Support volunteers who have taken an additional 30+ hours of specialty training to better serve the hospice and the community with all palliative, end-of-life, and bereavement needs. These volunteers can offer both support and guidance to help maximize quality of life.
Resources: A Guide Through Grief
Below is our resource guide that includes information, resources, books, and a checklist which may be helpful following the loss of a loved one. Click on the image below to access the downloadable content.
If you have questions about our grief support programming, or difficulties with the program intake form, please contact us at grief@countryhospice.org or (403) 995-4673.
