What is Bereavement?

Bereavement is the period of grief and mourning after a death. When you grieve, it’s part of the normal process of reacting to a loss. You may experience grief as a mental, physical, social or emotional reaction. Mental reactions can include anger, guilt, anxiety, sadness and despair. Grief is a normal response to loss.

As an important part of our hospice services, the Visiting Nurse Association of Lackawanna County is privileged to continue a supportive relationship with the family/caregivers/loved ones of our past patient’s. We will companion with you for a year following your loss.   Our goal is to assist you through this complex time of need.

Because we believe strongly that grief is an individual process, our staff of professional social workers, grief counselors and trained volunteers hopes to assist you in that way that will be most helpful to your needs. Each family is served according to its unique set of circumstances. However our general program consists of periodic contact by visit, phone, card or letter.

Additionally we offer:

• Inspirational Mailings
• One on One counseling:
  • Family Counseling
  • Grief Workshops (Read More for additional information)

• Special Support Groups (see calendar of events for dates)
  • Knitting and Crocheting(weekly)
  • Fisherman Knot Rosaries(weekly)
  • Yoga for Healing(weekly)
  • Bereavement Support Group(monthly)

In addition to the above programs we offer an annual Memorial Service, Balloon Release and Memorial Tree Lighting. These programs were designed to bring the families together to honor, in a special way, their loved ones.

VNA has been a part of the community for over 120 years! It is truly an honor and a privilege to care for you. The VNA Bereavement department is available to all who need their services, even if, your loved one was not a patient of VNA.

For additional information please call 570-383-5180, and ask for the Bereavement Coordinator.