Grief and Bereavement Services

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We Are Here For You

If you are an adult (aged 18 years and over), who has experienced the death of a loved one due to illness and are a resident of Etobicoke, you are welcome to connect with us. No prior connection to the hospice is required. All our services are offered at no charge. Do join us.

Please complete this referral form we will be in touch with you.
Referral Form

Or call us at 416.626.0116 x 229

Grief Groups

Understanding grief

Every month, The Dorothy Ley Hospice bereavement staff hold an open grief education session for those who are newly bereaved. At this session we provide reassurance that grief is a normal and natural response to loss. We explore the various ways grief may show up for us physically, emotionally, socially, spiritually and psychologically and provide some tips on how to cope. Register below:

Parent-loss grief support group

A supportive and safe space for adults who have lost a parent to explore their grief with others who have experienced the same type of loss. This is an 8 week closed group, held on Zoom. Facilitated by bereavement staff.We recommend attending “understanding grief” before attending this group. Held on Zoom3 times a year. Minimum of 8 people are required to run this group.

Spousal-loss grief support group

A supportive and safe space for adults who have lost a spouse to explore their grief with others who have experienced the same type of loss. 8 week closed group, held on Zoom. Facilitated by bereavement staff. We recommend attending “understanding grief” before attending this group. Held on Zoom 3 times a year. Minimum of 8 people are required to run this group.

Men’s coffee group

A space for bereaved men to connect and share experiences over coffee with other bereaved gentlemen. This is an informal coffee group is hosted by men, for men. Facilitated by trained bereavement volunteers. This group is intended for men who have completed other grief support groups or individual sessions. Held every second Tuesday.

Honouring Through Story Telling

In this 6-part series, led by volunteer peers, participants explore the memories they have of their loved ones through story telling, with emphasis on remembering our loved ones; introducing our loved ones to others. Joan Didion said, “We tell ourselves stories in order to live.” This series explores ways to find unique and enduring connection; in the midst of embarking on a new and different life. Come honour your loved ones through sharing your story in a safe and supportive small group setting. Tears, laughter and anything in between, all welcome! It is designed for people who have already explored their grief journey through groups or individualized counseling with a Bereavement Counselor and are able to talk about their loved ones with gratitude. Held in-person at The Dorothy Ley Hospice.

Walking Through Grief

For those who are grieving the loss of a loved one, the Walking Through Grief group offers an opportunity to gather, move with mindfulness and connect with others on a similar journey. Each walk will include a moment of mediation and mindfulness. Walks are 45-60mins. Participants must be able to walk and stand for about 1 hour. An optional coffee break after the walk is available if interested. Walks are supported by trained hospice volunteers.

Coping with the Holidays (Nov/Dec offering)

Designed for caregivers and bereaved, this drop-in workshop offers tips for self-care while enjoying the holidays. In these one off sessions participants learn how to communicate effectively, navigate change, retain or renew traditions, and lead healing rituals of remembrance and gratitude.

Individual Grief Support

One-to-one grief companion volunteer

One-to-one companionship with a trained bereavement volunteer offers a safe and non-judgmental space for you to talk about your grief and loss with someone who understands.

One-to-one bereavement counselling

One-to-one bereavement counselling with specialist bereavement staff offers a safe space to express and explore your individual response to grief and loss and to learn effective coping strategies. Up to 8 sessions provided per person.

Spiritual care

“Death is a spiritual event. Its nearness creates a desire to identify and strengthen what is of value in one’s life. We want to tidy up the ends, to put first things first. To be unable to do so can generate a desolate feeling of meaningless. To me that is the essence of spiritual pain—to feel that one is meaningless or that one’s life has had no meaning.” – Dr Dorothy Ley

Spiritual Care is the meaningful exploration of beliefs, values, concerns, hopes and sources of resilience. Cultivating awareness of one’s own spirituality can support living a quality of life, strengthen identity and purpose, and enhance coping and meaning-making when facing death, or the death of a loved one.

Spiritual care is available to individuals with illness, caregivers and bereaved. If you are finding yourself asking questions such as “Why is this happening to me?” “Is there any meaning in my suffering?” “How do I still have value now that I am ‘unproductive’?” Or if you are feeling hopeless and alone in your illness or in your grief, then spiritual care supports may be for you.

Spiritual Care support is for all, whether religious or non-religious.

Spiritual Care offerings at the Hospice include:

Individual Spiritual Care sessions for psycho-spiritual interventions and care, clarification of ethical issues, and exploring strengths and existing connections with self, others and meaningful aspects of life
Support for loss and grief
Opportunities for prayer, meditation and reflection
Support for Life Review and other legacy projects
Connection to local faith communities and clergy
Facilitation of ritual and ceremony design and support

Self-Compassion Circle

Increase resilience by enhancing self-kindness, connection and mindfulness. Learn about the science of self-compassion and engage in mind-body techniques, self-reflection and wellness practices. Share experiences with fellow attendees. Open to caregivers and bereaved. For bereaved folks, we recommend attending grief support sessions before attending this group.

Minimum of 6 people are required to run this group. This offering is open to caregivers, bereaved, and individuals with a life-limiting illness. 7-week course, held online via Zoom. Some prerequisites apply for this program. Contact us to find out more.

Self-Compassion Circle Practice Group

A group for past participants of the Self-Compassion Circle that offers opportunity to practice the self-wellness practices, mind/body interventions and reflections introduced during the 7-week Self-Compassion Circle program. The group offers guided practice and an opportunity to connect with others actively engaging in self-compassion.

For more information about spiritual care offerings, please contact our Community Care Navigator

416.626.0116 x 233

Wellness Therapies

The practice of self-care is an integral aspect of an individual’s overall sense of well-being. Our wellness services provide care that can augment traditional pain and symptom management and be experienced as restorative and relaxing.

Guided Meditation Recordings

6-minute meditation

11-minute Body scan meditation

30-minute meditation

Individual Wellness Services Offered

Each therapy is delivered by trained Hospice volunteers, and/or practicum students, who are certified in their respective treatment(s).

Therapeutic Touch® is a holistic wellness therapy that incorporates a consciously directed process using the practitioner’s hands
to facilitate wellness and to bring about balance and harmony to the recipient. Therapeutic Touch®, can promote a relaxation response, reducing anxiety and stress. It can help to manage pain, improve sleep and foster a general sense of well-being. The practitioner can use a light touch or no touch at all. The individual receiving Therapeutic Touch® remains fully clothed and can be seated or lying down in a comfortable position. Therapeutic Touch® can also be offered remotely.

Reiki: is a holistic wellness therapy that involves the laying on of hands directly on or just above the body by a certified Reiki practitioner. Universal energy is offered to the recipient to help elicit a relaxation response. People often experience feelings of peace and an improved sense of well-being after a Reiki treatment. The individual remains fully clothed and is usually lying down in a comfortable position. Reiki can also be offered remotely.

Aroma Touch: is a gentle touch to arms and hands and/or lower legs and feet. Very lightly scented essential oils or fragrant free oils are applied to help reduce stress and anxiety. The individual remains fully clothed and is usually seated or lying down in a comfortable position.

Art Kits: Art Kits provide therapeutic and mindful activities to help people calm their mind and thoughts. Each kit comes complete with the instructions and all supplies necessary to complete the mindful activity in the home. There are a variety of kits available including Kindness Rocks, Record Mandalas, Tibetan Prayer Flags and Word Marbles.

Group Wellness Services Offered

Yoga Classes: The yoga we offer focuses on relaxation and rest, and is inclusive of all abilities. Yoga offerings include: restorative yoga, yoga Nidra, and Pranayama breath work. Some offerings can be done from the comfort of your bed.

Meditation Groups: Guided meditations and body scans are offered to enhance relaxation, groundedness and clarity. Simple techniques involving body, breath and awareness are used to help reduce stress. Meditation is an individual process and everyone’s experiences will be unique.

For more information about Wellness Services, please contact our Wellness Coordinator

pmurphy@dlhospice.org 416.626.0116 x 228

Wellness Day Program

The Wellness Day Program is a supportive care service designed for those living with a life limiting illness, providing a day out in a safe, friendly and caring atmosphere.

Participants gather in our Activity Room to share in a light snack and circle check‐in which is a chance to share about the highs and lows of life and to give and receive support.

As the day unfolds you can expect to experience camaraderie and new friendships, conversation and laughter, learn new skills and engage in a variety of activities such as: games, cards, arts and crafts, guest speakers, music and sing‐a‐longs, gentle exercise and so much more. There are also opportunities for wellness therapies (Therapeutic Touch, Reiki and gentle hand and foot massage) and Pet Therapy visits.

At the Wellness Day Program the focus is to promote one’s sense of well‐being and to enhance life. If you are someone who would enjoy meeting with others, a change from your usual routine and providing your family caregivers a ‘day off’ this is the place for you!

For more information about Wellness Day Program, please contact our Wellness Coordinator

pmurphy@dlhospice.org 416.626.0116 x 228

Wellness Therapies

Individual Wellness Services Offered

Each therapy is delivered by trained Hospice volunteers, and/or practicum students, who are certified in their respective treatment(s).

Gentle Hand and Foot Massage: is a gentle massage to arms and hands and/or lower legs and feet. Very lightly scented essential oils or frgrance-free oils are applied with light pressure to help reduce stress and anxiety. The
individual remains fully clothed and is usually seated or lying down in a
comfortable position.

Acupuncture: is the insertion of fine needles into specific points along the energy pathway to restore the balance of vital energy. The effectiveness of acupuncture for pain relief, nausea, anxiety and addiction is well recognized by medical professionals

Group Wellness Services Offered

Restorative Yoga: Recharge your mind, body and spirit. Restorative Yoga poses help us to learn how to relax, rest and relieve the effects of stress. This gentle yoga class offers a compassionate practice of self-care and fosters rejuvenation. All levels of experience are welcome.

Meditation Groups: Weekly guided meditations and Body Scans to enhance relaxation, groundedness and clarity. Simple techniques involving body, breath and awareness will be used to help reduce stress. Meditation is an individual process and everyone’s experiences will be unique. This group is targeted towards beginners but all levels are welcome.

Guided Meditation Recordings: If you are not able to make a group, Dorothy Ley Hospice Wellness volunteers have created Body Scan meditations that you can access at your own time.

For more information about Wellness Day Program, please contact our Wellness Coordinator

pmurphy@dlhospice.org 416.626.0116 x 228