The First Steps Grief Support Group
First Steps Grief Support Group is a bereavement group designed especially for anyone who has experienced a loss within the last 6 months. This 6-session group, meeting over the course of 3 months, offers you support as the first steps are taken in dealing with a loss.
The 6-session group meets the first and third Tuesdays of the month from 10 - 11:30 a.m. in the lower level Conference Dining Room at FHN Memorial Hospital.
To register or more information, contact FHN Spiritual Care at 815-599-6160 or visit fhn.org/firststeps. There is a maximum capacity of 12 attendees.
View the calendar for current listings.
Living Through Grief
The Living Through Grief Support Group offers a confidential place for those grieving a loss within the last 2 years to talk about your thoughts and feelings. We utilize videos, books, speakers, and discussions to help participants learn about the grief process, share stories of loss, and regain hope.
The group meets every second and fourth Mondays of the month at 6 p.m. scheduled in the lower level Deaconess Room at FHN Memorial Hospital. There is a maximum capacity of 15 attendees.
To register or more information, contact FHN Hospice, at 815-599-7240 or visit fhn.org/grief.
View the calendar for current listings.
Memorial Services
Held twice a year, these services offer times to remember loved ones who have recently died and honor their memory. Attendees are encouraged to bring a picture, a memento or a story to share. The services are held at FHN Memorial Hospital, 1045 W. Stephenson Street, Freeport.
Tree of Memories
Each December a gathering is held for families who have experienced a death. Specially designed ornaments can be purchased.
During the Tree of Memories Ceremony,
family members hang their ornament on our tree.
The tree remains on display in the FHN Memorial Hospital lobby during the month of December. For more information, call the
FHN Hospice office at 815-599-7240.
Watch our Tree of Memories video.
Memory Bears and Pillows
Hand-made memory bears and pillows are offered to families of those who have died in our care. Talented and caring volunteer "stitchers" can transform an article of your
loved one's clothing into a meaningful keepsake for you. The bear or pillow not only provides a visual reminder of your loved one;
it also provides comfort – something to hug
and hold on to.
Music Program
Our music program complements the work that our nurses, CNAs, and social workers do to relieve pain and other symptoms that our patients have. Individual musicians — trained volunteers — who play the guitar and the dulcimer visit our patients in nursing homes regularly to play for them. The FHN Hospice Singers, a group of trained volunteers, go weekly to nursing homes and private homes to visit our patients there. They both sing to and sing with the patients – or sometimes just visit if that is what the patient wants.
Watch our FHN Hospice Singers video.
Pet Program
Trained volunteers bring their certified therapy dogs to visit our patients regularly. The physical and emotional benefits of interaction with a gentle, friendly pet are well-established. Our human/pet teams visit both in the nursing homes and at home, bringing emotional and spiritual support as well as physical relief.
Find out more about the FHN Pet Therapy program.
Caring Hearts Bereavment Program
Hospice helps prepare family and friends for the loss of a loved one, and also provides the additional support often needed after the loss occurs. FHN Hospice will continue to connect with families after the death of their loved ones. FHN Hospice volunteers and staff will make periodic bereavement calls to see if you have questions or needs. You will be informed about support groups, speaker events or other available services that can assist you with your grief. Home-baked treats are delivered to the family during one of the bereavement calls.
Watch our Caring Hearts Bereavement video.