The Grief Journey After a Hospice Death

05 Jun The Grief Journey After a Hospice Death

Grieving after a hospice death is a personal journey. Learn what to expect emotionally and how to find support during the healing process.

Losing a loved one, even when expected, is never easy. After a hospice death, family members often experience a wide range of emotions — from relief and sadness to confusion and emptiness. This is part of the grief journey, a deeply personal path that unfolds in its own time and way.

Understanding what grief can look like and how to care for yourself through it is an important part of healing.

What Grief May Feel Like

Grief is not one-size-fits-all. People often feel:

• Sadness or longing for their loved one
• Relief that suffering has ended
• Guilt over things said or unsaid
• Anger at the situation or others
• Numbness or a sense of detachment
• Confusion about what to do next

There is no “right” way to grieve. Your feelings are valid, even if they change by the day — or the hour.

The Stages of Grief: Not a Straight Line

Many people have heard of the stages of grief — denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance — but grief rarely follows a neat order. You may revisit certain emotions or skip others entirely. What matters most is giving yourself space to feel and heal without pressure.

How Hospice Continues to Help After Death

Hospice care doesn’t end with the patient’s passing. Most hospices offer bereavement services that can include:

• Grief counseling
• Support groups
• Help with memorial planning
• Educational materials about the grieving process

These services are typically offered for up to 13 months after a death, allowing loved ones time to find their footing again.

Ways to Support Your Healing

Everyone copes with loss differently, but the following strategies can help you through the process:

• Permit Yourself to Grieve: There is no timeline for healing. Whether you cry every day or feel numb for weeks, your experience is valid.
• Stay Connected: Talk with friends, family, or others who’ve experienced loss. Isolation can deepen grief, while connection can bring comfort.
• Honour Your Loved One: Create a memorial, write a letter, light a candle — whatever helps you keep their memory close.
• Seek Professional Help: Grief counsellors and support groups can provide guidance and reassurance as you navigate difficult emotions.
• Take Care of Your Body: Grief affects both mind and body. Try to rest, eat nourishing meals, and engage in gentle movement if you can.

Grief Is Love Continuing

Grief is not something to “get over” — it is a reflection of deep love. In time, most people find a way to carry their loss with them while continuing to live, love, and remember.

Contact us at Angel Wings Hospice https://angelwingshospice.org/contact-us/ to learn about our ongoing grief and bereavement support for families and caregivers.