• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Today's Transitions

  • Home
  • Home
  • Find Help
    • Search Care Communities
    • Caregiver Solutions
    • Health Treatments
    • Search Home Caregiving
    • Search for Resources
    • All Caregiving
  • Beautiful Living
    • Travel and Daytrips
    • Health and Fitness
    • Delicious Food
    • Happenings Guide
    • Home and Books
    • Technology
    • Meaningful Work
      • Volunteering
    • Money and Finances
    • Positive Mental Thinking
    • People
  • Living Options
    • Search for Living Communities
    • Home Improvements
    • Low Maintenance Living
    • Downsizing
  • The Magazine
    • Read New Issue
    • Find Magazine
  • Connect
    • Subscribe to Newsletter
    • Manage Listing (Provider/Advertiser)
    • Advertising Options
    • Subscribe to Print Magazine
    • About Today’s Transitions
  • Show Search
Hide Search
Home / Topics / COVID-19 / Learning to Grieve in a Pandemic

Learning to Grieve in a Pandemic

November 5, 2020 · Leave a Comment

My first act as a mother was to hold my newborn. The intense power of that moment solidified my emotional connection to my son. Then when I visited my grandmother in the hospital, my initial instinct was to take her hand in mine like I’d done countless times as a little girl. The act of touch is a powerful form of communication when words aren’t available or when they fail. What happens if those extraordinary moments of physical connection aren’t allowed — especially for those facing end-of-life experiences with beloved friends and family? 

Touch is a fundamental component of human bonding. Studies show that touch demonstrates compassion and offers comfort. The pandemic is asking that people alter this basic truth. With social distancing practices in place, many family members are saying goodbye from a distance. Waving through windows, video chatting, and phone calls are some of the ways loved ones attempt to maintain some level of connection with those in isolation. All of these leave out the closeness and closure that touch brings them. 

While distancing precautions are installed to protect the healthy, this action has altered the grief process for those losing a loved one. Amy Hill, LCSW executive director of Counseling Services for Hosparus Health in Louisville, says, “I think not having that physical connection at the end really adds to the struggles of grief and loss. There’s something that’s just really not natural about that experience.” 

Hosparus Health opened its doors in 1978 and is committed to offering planning and counseling services for families and patients that deal with end-of-life situations. This is why the Hosparus organization is taking steps to help individuals cope with this lack of physical contact and the complex grief this can cause. 

One way to begin to understand personal grief and how it plays a role in the healing process is to talk with a Hosparus grief counselor. “We provide counseling to any patient in our hospice care who’s experiencing grief prior to and after the death of their loved one. We also provide free counseling to anybody in the community,” Amy says. Hosparus counseling sessions are led by licensed professionals. These meetings are designed so those wanting help can get the tools they need to feel supported. 

Amy says that Hosparus has different types of counseling. “We do individual counseling, but a lot of people really benefit from being around other people who are in the same boat.” All of their group meetings have up to 10 people, and because of social distancing a great many of these counseling sessions are conducted online. Amy says this has been a really effective way to provide care during this time. 

Speaking our thoughts and feelings aloud to a counselor gives value to our emotional experience. But when it comes to being unable to have the closure a final touch can bring, Amy relays that Hosparus wants to be a supportive resource for people who are dealing with this. “It’s like nothing any of us have ever really dealt with on this level,” she says. This is why they are using different methods to help those experiencing loss to find physical comfort. 

To help feel that physical connection without physically being there, Hosparus bridges the gap with a Thumbprint Stone. They use this with their hospice patients at the end of their lives. It’s a process that uses clay to make imprints of the patients’ fingerprints. These are baked and become hard and can be carried by the family to keep a physical reminder of that person close. “Having something that you can hold and carry really helps,” Amy says. 

Another method counselors are employing simulates a hug. Margaret Cox, LMFT and child and adolescent grief counselor with Hosparus Health in Louisville, says to find an old T-shirt or sweatshirt that belonged to a person’s loved one with their scent still present. Then take this shirt and stuff it with pillows or even place the shirt on a favorite stuffed animal. Now a person can recreate a hug or simulate being held. “To deepen this experience, imagine a time when you felt especially loved and connected with your loved one,” Margaret says. 

To find more opportunities for physical comfort, Margaret recommends asking the family members with which a person is isolating for hugs or turning everyday tasks such as hand washing into opportunities for nurturing. “When washing your hands imagine infusing love into your hands using your favorite scented soap. Then give yourself a hug for taking a few extra seconds to offer and receive love.” Austin Stethen, LMHCA, grief counselor in Southern Indiana, suggests setting up a space with the belongings of a loved one using blankets, articles of clothing, or other meaningful possessions. 

It’s important to note that everyone’s journey through grief is different. Amy says anyone working through the grief process needs to take the time to experience this at a pace that best suits them. “Many people put judgment into how they are experiencing their grief, and the answer is that there is no right or wrong way to grieve because it is very personal to that individual.” 

BY TONILYN HORNUNG

P.S. Find other ways to get past your grief.

Filed Under: COVID-19, Topics Tagged With: Grief

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Search for Caring Communities

Search for Resources

Sponsored

Search

  • facebook
  • instagram
  • pinterest
  • linkedin
  • subscribe

todaystransitions

Today's Transitions
After a long hibernation period in winter, we may After a long hibernation period in winter, we may feel a little stiff as spring approaches. @waterfrontgardens offers two kinds of yoga classes to help our bodies regain their elasticity: chair yoga each Wednesday and regular yoga every other Wednesday. Chair yoga classes are specifically geared toward individuals with limited mobility. Once all the kinks are worked out, you can participate in one of the Waterfront Botanical Gardens walk and talk programs, where participants stroll the grounds learning from a staff horticulturist. Tap the link in bio to read more from our spring issue.⁠
⁠
📝: Carrie Vittitoe⁠
⁠
#LiveYourBestTODAY #Inspiration #springissue #TryThis!
We all need some inspiration from time to time, an We all need some inspiration from time to time, and who better to give us some than well-known and beloved TV personality, Dawne Gee. For over 17 years, Dawne has reported on local happenings, people in the community, and current events at @wave3news. Sharing the stories that shape her hometown, Dawne is moved by the people she meets and the truths she reports. She says she witnesses the best and the worst in our city, but it’s through her experience that we the viewer are able to step into our own inspiration. Dawne explains, "There’s almost never been a time when I’ve said, 'Here’s the problem,' and my city hasn’t answered with, 'Alright, it’s solved.' They solve it, and they solve it 10 fold." Tap the link in our bio to read the full article in our spring issue.⁠
⁠
📸:@eatplantsew ⁠
📝: Tonilyn Hornung⁠
#LiveYourBestTODAY #Inspiration #PassionsProfile #WAVENews #LouisvilleLight #DawneGee⁠
⁠
⁠
Spring is a great time to refresh your home and we Spring is a great time to refresh your home and we've got a few ideas to help. Tap the link in bio to get inspired by these home decor items from Europe.⁠
⁠
#LiveYourBestTODAY #HomeDecor #SpringRefresh #EuropeanFlavor ⁠
⁠
Are you an older adult caring for a loved one? Lyn Are you an older adult caring for a loved one? Lynda Areheart opens up about her experiences caring for her husband. At 84 years old, Lynda talks about the transition from nurse in a clinical setting to nursing her husband at home, and how she balances her owns needs. Tap the link in our bio to read more of Lynda's story.⁠
⁠
#LiveYourBestTODAY #Comfort #ACaregiverStory caregiversolutions
It's never too early to start getting into the Der It's never too early to start getting into the Derby spirit! Today's Transitions will be highlighting fun events leading up to the first Saturday in May and the Kentucky Derby. If you are looking for some fashion tips for a day at the track, tap the link in bio for some inspiration.⁠
⁠
#LiveYourBestTODAY #Inspiration #springissue #Derby #DerbyEvents #Fashion⁠
Ever wondered what it would be like to let go of h Ever wondered what it would be like to let go of hair color? In our Lighter Locks series, we talked with women who have made that decision, and are now living life without hair color. Tap the link in bio to read about Madonna Wilson and her transition away from hair color. ⁠
⁠
#LiveYourBestTODAY #Comfort #LighterLocks #winterissue #goinggray
Over 45 and wanting to get fit but not sure where Over 45 and wanting to get fit but not sure where to start? Let our fitness inspiration, Karen Dunn, provide a motivational roadmap to help you get and stay on this fitness journey. Tap the link in bio to read more.⁠
⁠
#LiveYourBestTODAY #Fitness #fitnesstips ⁠
⁠
⁠
If your dreams center around flying, then maybe a If your dreams center around flying, then maybe a flying disc sport would be a fun way to fill your free time. Disc sports are games or sports that are played with, well…you guessed it, a disc or a Frisbee. Two of the most popular disc sports are disc golf and ultimate. Tap the link in bio to learn more about this unique sport.⁠
⁠
#LiveYourBestTODAY #Comfort #FreeTime #Hobbies #DiscSports #FrisbeeGolf #discgolf⁠
"Shelter is my guiding word for this year. It is a "Shelter is my guiding word for this year. It is a non-striving word. A shelter offers refuge, provides safety, and embraces calm and quiet."" Writer Lucy M. Pritchett explores the word shelter, what it means to her, and how she finds it in her life. Tap the link in bio to read this month's Finding Shelter feature.⁠
⁠
#LiveYourBestTODAY #FindingShelter #Libraries #wordfortheyear⁠
⁠
The spring Inspiration issue is out! What inspires The spring Inspiration issue is out! What inspires you in your own life? The action of others, an internal guiding force, or maybe you find it in nature? In this issue, we've highlighted people and places to hopefully inspire you to spring into meaningful action as we move into a new season. Tap the link in our bio to read the full issue. ⁠
⁠
#LiveYourBestTODAY #Inspiration #springissue #spring⁠
With spring only a few days away, it’s the perfe With spring only a few days away, it’s the perfect time to begin daydreaming about your summer garden. This year, why not get your children or grandchildren involved? Planning a garden, planting the seeds, and watching them grow gives kids a sense of purpose and responsibility, and encourages healthy eating. Are you ready? Tap the link in bio for three simple steps to help you dig into your gardening adventures.⁠
⁠
#LiveYourBestTODAY #GrandparentIdeas #gardeningwithgrandkids #grandparentsdoingcoolthings⁠
⁠
Preventative health screenings are a critical comp Preventative health screenings are a critical component to staying healthy. “The ultimate goal for older adults is to maintain function and independence,” says Dr. Laura Morton, associate professor of Geriatric Medicine at the University of Louisville. Preventative screenings help you identify problems before they start, or at early stages, which can lead to swift treatment. Tap the link in bio to see which screenings both men and women should consider for optimal health.⁠
⁠
#LiveYourBestTODAY #Comfort #HealthScreenings #PreventativeScreenings⁠
⁠
It’s through art we learn about ourselves—espe It’s through art we learn about ourselves—especially when it comes to live theater. Theatergoers have been seeking comfort and inspiration in this art form for ages. And it’s this type of experience that Matt Wallace, the producing artistic director of Kentucky Shakespeare, is bringing to the community. Tap the link in bio to read more about Matt Wallace and how he is connecting the community through the arts.⁠
⁠
#LiveYourBestTODAY #Comfort #PassionsProfile #theater⁠
Mason jars can be used for many things...but a pot Mason jars can be used for many things...but a pot pie? Yes, and it's as cute as it is delicious. Tap the link in our bio to get the recipe.⁠
⁠
#LiveYourBestTODAY #Comfort #masonjarrecipe #potpie
Meet Evalyn Gregory, one of the youngest judges fo Meet Evalyn Gregory, one of the youngest judges for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, the second longest running sporting event after the Kentucky Derby. She grew up traveling with her parents who both bred, raised, showed, and in her father’s case, judged dog and other animal competitions. She says she knows that being a dog show judge is what she is called to do. Read all about Evalyn and her unique career in the link in bio.⁠
⁠
#LiveYourBestTODAY #Comfort #WIKN #WestminsterDogShow #dogshowjudge⁠
⁠
Growing up with a grandparent with Alzheimer’s i Growing up with a grandparent with Alzheimer’s is something children may face. Tap the link in bio to read about one woman's firsthand experience, and activities she recommends to enjoy time with your loved one.⁠
⁠
#LiveYourBestTODAY #Alzheimers #memoryissues⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
Looking for something to do this month? Check out Looking for something to do this month? Check out our March Happenings Guide at the link in bio for ideas on where to go and what to do for fun. ⁠
⁠
#LiveYourBestTODAY #March #HappeningsGuide⁠
⁠
Want to expand your skills and have new colorful d Want to expand your skills and have new colorful decor? Furniture painting has never been easier and it's a great way to find use in older things. Tap the link in bio to get some inspirational tips to get you started.⁠
⁠
#LiveYourBestTODAY #Comfort #FreeTime #Hobbies #FurniturePainting⁠
Did you know the library offers much more than a s Did you know the library offers much more than a space to read and check out books? The Maker Pavilion at the Northeast Regional Library in Lyndon has several services that will take your arts and crafts project to the next level. Tap the link in bio to read more about the Maker Pavilion and all it has to offer.⁠
⁠
#LiveYourBestTODAY #Comfort #winterissue #AnOuting #library #artsandcrafts #MakerPavilion⁠
⁠
⁠
Preventative health screenings are a critical comp Preventative health screenings are a critical component to staying healthy. They can help you identify problems before they start, or at early stages, which can lead to swift treatment. Tap the link in bio to read part 2 of our preventative screenings guide.⁠
⁠
#LiveYourBestTODAY #Comfort #HealthScreenings #PreventativeScreenings
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Recent Posts

  • Spend An Enlightening Afternoon On The Ohio
  • Plan A Dream European Vacation To Greece
  • Get Outside Your Bubble: Online Meeting Apps To Try
  • Avoid Three Common Financial Mistakes
  • Keep Enjoying Life With Tech

Manage Listings · My Account · Caregiving Listing Help
Privacy Policy · Terms of Service
© 2023 · Today's Media· Built by Breakaway Analytics