10 Things to Know About Grief

1. Global effect of loss: The death of a loved one can be a life-transforming event. The grief process is the journey between how things were and how they will be.
2. Grief is a natural process: Grief is a normal part of life and a natural response to losing a loved one.
3. Individual differences in grieving styles: How you grieve is a unique result of your personality. Each person in your family will grieve in their own way and in their own timeline.
4. Children and grief: Children look to the important adults in their lives to learn how to grieve. Children can be frightened by what they do not know or understand, so age-appropriate information about death and grief can be helpful to them.
5. Social connections and support: When you are grieving, you may want and need support from others. Because relationships will be altered in some way after a significant loss, it is normal to evaluate, perhaps change, and sometimes end certain relationships.
6. Experiences you might have in grief: When you are actively grieving, you may feel different from your usual self, as your emotions, your mind, and your reactions can seem unreliable. Responses such as fatigue, forgetfulness, and irritability result from your attention and energy being directed toward your grief and adjustment to loss.
7. Fluctuations in the grief process: As you journey along the path of grief, you may find that your feelings and responses vary at different times. It is important to understand that having good days are part of the journey.
8. Self-care and what helps: Be gentle and patient with yourself as you grieve. Do what you can to keep some regular routines for health and social contact. Support may come from various sources including family, friends and bereavement groups.
9. Time for grief: Often, your grief journey is longer than you or other people expect, and you may feel pressured by these expectations. This loss will continue to be part of your life, and you will continue to have times when you think about, miss, and grieve the person who died.
10. Grief as a spiritual journey of healing: The death of someone significant in your life brings change that may lead you on a different path. Nothing will ever be the same, yet you must find meaning and a new sense of purpose. As the journey continues, you may experience healing and personal growth.

For more information, download our resource guide, which includes more detailed information about grief, resources, books, and a checklist which may be helpful following the loss of a loved one. Click here to access the downloadable content.

Content courtesy of Victoria Hospice Society

It Is Time For Change

Demand for hospice care far exceeds what Foothills Country Hospice can provide. Delivering excellence in specialized, compassionate end-of-life care at our current capacity isn't enough. More needs to be done.

Since Jan. 2008, we have served more than 1,400 residents together with their loved ones, an estimated 6,500 people. Alberta's population is growing rapidly and with this, demand for hospice care is increasing.

Annually, our residential hospice serves 100 Foothills and Calgary residents and service demand extends beyond the walls of residential hospice care. Many who are impacted by end-of-life, loss and grief need and are seeking support in their homes and communities.

At Foothills Country Hospice, we have the expertise and with your help, we can meet the challenge.

Visit countryhospice.org/compassioninaction to support Compassion in Action.

Expressive Arts



Our Expressive Arts therapy program provides opportunities for those experiencing grief to socialize, connect, and share with others who are grieving. It includes various therapeutic and creative events and workshops aimed at helping people process and work through their grief in a supportive environment.

Our social work team has led groups through various expressive arts sessions, including painting ceramics, creating Grinch trees, participating in a drumming circle, and, most recently, a retreat to Eunoia Equine Assisted Learning and Wellness.

If you’re interested in learning more or need to access support, please visit our “Programs & Support” page on our website or click here. For any additional questions, please contact us at grief@countryhospice.org.