WC Wisconsin News

Tomah Health Hospice Touch and Palliative Care is offering a six-week grief support series to assist individuals coping with the loss of loved ones. The sessions, led by Shane Haynes, Chaplain and Bereavement Coordinator, are scheduled from March 18 to April 24. Participants can choose between Tuesday morning or Thursday afternoon meetings at the Hospice/Palliative Care offices in Tomah.

Haynes emphasized the importance of communal support, stating, “It’s a great opportunity for people who have lost someone to come together and get support and to have camaraderie with other people who have lost someone in their lives as well.” The series will cover various topics such as understanding grief, self-care during grieving, and common reactions to loss.

The program is designed flexibly to address the specific needs of participants. “We do have a curriculum that we use, but a lot of it is defined by the group and their needs and situations,” Haynes explained.

Haynes noted that while grief is a normal part of life, it is often misunderstood as something with an endpoint. “I think people go into grief thinking that it is a checklist, but that’s not the way it works,” he said. He highlighted how triggers can reignite feelings of grief unexpectedly but reassured that ongoing support helps manage these emotions over time.

The sessions are known for fostering lasting connections among participants. “Many times, in groups the connections go beyond the six-week sessions where people keep those relationships intact as they go out from the group setting,” said Haynes. He also encouraged continued contact with staff for ongoing support post-sessions.

Participation in this program requires registration by March 10 via phone at (608)374-0250. There is no fee associated with attending.