Living Through Loss

Our Living Through Loss monthly drop-in group is for bereaved adults looking for an understanding place to share their experiences with grief. Access to this program is through Rosedale Hospice, our Community Hospice counselling services, and our Companion Program.

Volunteer Bereavement Support Program

Family members that have connected with us through Rosedale Hospice or Living with Cancer Program are able to receive telephone follow-up through our Volunteer Bereavement Support Program. 

Companion Program

The Companion Program offers a family-centred and community-based approach with the goal of improving quality of life for those impacted by any advanced illness. Volunteers are carefully matched with clients to provide ongoing, regular support that includes respite, companionship, resource sharing, and other practical support. The program aims to help reduce stress and feelings of isolation in patients, caregivers, and their families and promote an active role in living life to the fullest during illness.

The counselling relationship is a special one

• Your time with your counsellor will be all about you and your family
• It's different from a friendship because your counsellor won't really talk about him or herself
• Your counsellor's job is to listen to you, to help you with your grief and all that comes with it
• Unlike what you and your friend's do, your counsellor will not be spending time with you outside of your sessions at Sage Centre

What you might want to know about seeing a counsellor

• You have choices about what you discuss in your meeting
• Sometimes your appointments will include some of your family
• You can share as much as you wish about any topic
• If you decide you no longer want to see your counsellor, let them or your parent know
• You can say no to anything your counsellor suggests?we just ask you to be open to trying new things
• It is important you are honest so your counsellor can understand your story and your feelings

What your counsellor will do for you

• Keep what you tell them private unless you give them permission to share and they can't talk with your friends, their lips are sealed!
• All the counsellors are part of a team at Hospice Calgary. Sometimes they share stories of children and teens they work with to get more ideas on the best ways to help support them and their families. If you don't want your counsellor to use your name if they are telling your story, together you can pick a pretend name.
• Include your parent or guardian. Often they just want to know that you are okay! After each appointment or after a few appointments, you and your counsellor will talk about what you want to share with them
• Keep your artwork or project safe until you are ready to take it home. If you don't want to take it home, please let your counsellor know
• Be open to any questions you have and be honest with you
   

What qualifications do your counsellors have?

All  Counsellors have graduate degrees in counselling, social work, or psychology and are certified through the Collage of Alberta Psychologists, the Alberta College of Social Workers, orthe Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. Our professional counsellors are bound by their professional code of ethics and Hospice Calgary's policies.

How are services ended?

When you and/or your counsellor determine that Hospice Calgary services are longer required, your file will be closed. The opportunity to re-access services for grief counselling is available.

What if I need to speak to someone outside of business hours?

Living with Advanced Illness Centre operates regularly between 9:00 am and 5:00pm, Monday to Thursday and 8:30pm to 4:30pm on Fridays. In order to access 24 hour counselling support, please contact the Distress Centre at 403-266-4357. If you are a Palliative Home Care client, contact the 24 hours response line at 403-955-6288. For any other medical emergency, call 911.

How can I contribute to improving services at Hospice Calgary?

As part of your counselling experience, you will be asked to complete surveys in order to assess your needs and the ongoing benefits of counselling. While you have the option to decline completing the surveys, your cooperation is appreciated to help improve the quality of support and services offered by the organization.