Those who have experienced the death of a loved one know that the holiday season can be extremely stressful and sometimes heartbreaking. The Hospice of Visiting Nurse Service (VNS) Center for Loss and Hope will hold special support groups this holiday season to help adults and children cope with holiday grief.

"Kids and Holiday Grief" will be offered November 7 and December 12 from 5 " 7 p.m. Choose to attend either session. The session will provide support for children ages 6-12 who have experienced a significant loss, such as a parent, sibling or grandparent. There will also be a corresponding informational group for parents/caregivers who wish to learn more about what to expect from a grieving child. The children will work with an art therapist in one group, while the parents/caregivers meet with the Bereavement Coordinator in another. Parents/caregivers and their child may choose to attend either date or both dates.

"Coping with the Holidays" will be offered November 13 from 2:00 " 3:30 p.m. or 6:30 " 8:30 p.m., or December 11 from 2:00 " 3:30 p.m. or 6:30 " 8:30 p.m. Choose to attend any session. The purpose of "Coping with the Holidays" is to discuss stress-related concerns surrounding the holiday season for the bereaved. Bereaved persons will learn how to balance the reality of grief along with the expectations of the holidays. Those attending will hear about options for coping with this potentially difficult time of the year.

All groups will meet at the Hospice of VNS Care Center located at 3358 Ridgewood Road in Fairlawn. There is no charge for participation in any group. Enrollment is limited, so please call to reserve a place. To register, or for more information on either group, or on other Hospice of VNS Bereavement Support programs or individual grief counseling, please call 330-668-4662 or 800-335-1455, Ext. 4662.

Also, if your church or business would like a presentation of "Coping with the Holidays" at your location, please call 330-668-4662 or 800-335-1455, Ext. 4662.

The Hospice of VNS Center for Loss and Hope offers a few tips to help bereaved persons survive the holidays:
-If the thought of what you used to do during a holiday is overwhelming, cut back on your activities. Make new plans that are not so involved.

-Say "no" if you do not want to do something. If the other person is not pleased, that is alright for now.

-Acknowledge your loved one in some formal manner. Purposely noting your loved one may help everyone recognize and admit to the person's importance.

-Be kind to yourself after your holidays. Make plans to do something special " maybe lunch with a friend or a day trip.

-Be realistic. There are going to be difficult moments. That's okay!

-Make lists of what you decide you are going to do. Try to stay focused.

About Hospice of Visiting Nurse Service (VNS)
The purpose of Hospice of VNS is to alleviate suffering, engender hope, promote living and facilitate grieving among patients with serious or life-limiting illnesses, their families and their communities. Hospice of VNS is a 2006 and 2007 HomeCare Elite Top Agency, and is an affiliate of Visiting Nurse Service and Affiliates (comprised of Advanced Infusion Services, Hospice of VNS, VNS Personal Care Services, VNS Equipment & Supplies and Visiting Nurse Service). VNSA serves Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit, Wayne and surrounding counties and is a member of the Akron General Health System. Visit us on the web at www.vnsa.com.