By arhospice on December 14th, 2021

Contact:  David Edwards, Director of Communications Phone:  501-748-3303   Email:  dedwards@arkansashospice.org

North Little Rock, Ark. – While the holidays are a joyful time for many, it can be a particularly difficult season for those struggling with the loss of a loved one. With that in mind, Arkansas Hospice is presenting a special holiday episode of its podcast, “Speaking of Grief.”

Hosted by Arkansas Hospice Director of Bereavement Services Barbara Ross and bereavement specialists Jamie Boshears and Simone Brock, this special episode titled “Grief During The Holidays” includes suggestions on self-care and ways to continue the bonds shared with those who are no longer with us.

“Mourning the death of someone you love can be especially challenging during the holidays, and the added stress of the pandemic can take its toll on those who are grieving,” Boshears said. “But there are healthy ways to navigate the holidays and to find new meanings in old traditions – and by creating new ones.”

The podcast emphasizes that each person’s journey of grief is unique. While holiday gatherings and traditions can be comforting for some, they can be painful for others. These challenges can be especially difficult for those dealing with a recent loss.

“For some who are newly bereaved, the thought of being jovial or full of glee can somehow feel disrespectful to the person who died,” Ross said. “Those feelings are OK, and they’re normal. There is no right or wrong.”

Throughout the year, Arkansas Hospice’s bereavement services are available to the public as a community service, free of charge, as well as the families of Arkansas Hospice patients.

“Speaking of Grief” is available on iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts and at https://arkansashospice.org/speakingofgrief. The podcast is produced in-house by Arkansas Hospice, which is the state’s largest nonprofit provider of hospice services. Listeners can email their comments and questions to be considered for future podcasts to contactus@arkansashospice.org.

-###-

About Arkansas Hospice Celebrating more than 29 years of service, Arkansas Hospice’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for those facing serious illness and loss by surrounding them with love and embracing them with the best in physical, emotional and spiritual care. The hospice care provider is the recipient of numerous local, state and national awards, as well as numerous other awards for quality of care, including Hospice Honors Elite from HEALTHCAREfirst, as well as the only hospice in Arkansas to be certified by the Arkansas