Carol, a Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill resident, was having a difficult time dealing with the loss of her sister when she learned about a new bereavement support group on campus.

“I thought this would be a way of sharing how I felt and listening to how others felt, and it has been helpful,” she said.

Carol, whose sister died almost a year ago, said she learned from the group that loss can come in different ways and forms. At one point, she struggled with feeling abandoned, like an orphan, from losing her only sibling.

“It is very comforting to realize you’re not the only one going through something like a loss,” she said.

Lafayette Hill’s bereavement group, which formed four months ago at the request of retirement living residents, is led by licensed social workers Renee Malnak-Giansiracusa and Eden Bailey (pictured above: Eden, left and Renee, right). The group is for any resident grieving any type of loss, from the death of a loved one to the loss of a pet, or even the loss of independence, which can be a real struggle for someone with mobility or other health issues, Renee said.

The group meets on the second Wednesday of every month, at 6:15 p.m., in the West Community Room. Renee and Eden provide holistic coping mechanisms (like taking a walk outside and noticing what’s around you), mindfulness exercises, companionship and other ways to move through grief or whatever you’re trying to navigate.

“We typically get between five and eight people at each meeting, and it has become a really tight group,” Renee said. “The people connect with each other and support each other. We’ve received really good feedback that it has been helping people.”

Eden added that residents find solace in being in a safe environment to express themselves and understand their own emotions. They also leave with resources and tips they can use on their own, like handouts about mindful breathing or navigating the different stages of grief.

“We have discussed how mindfulness helps to bring about calm and focus when practiced regularly,” Renee said. “There are also many free apps out there that people use. One is called Headspace and the other is Calm.”

In addition to the bereavement group, Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill also provides weekly opportunities for spiritual care, through Catholic communion services, Sunday services and Friday bible study with Pastor Crawford Clark, and a Shabbat service led by resident Joel Stoloff. Private counseling and visitations are also available by request.

“There can be multiple reasons why a person is grieving,” Crawford said. “One couple requested to see me last week because the wife was blaming herself for falling and having to be here [at Masonic Village]. I see that a lot – people adjusting to being here because it’s something different, and they can’t do the things they used to do. A lot of people struggle with that. Transition is hard. People don’t like change.”

Masonic Village’s other locations also offer spiritual care and bereavement services.

Theresa M. Jones, social worker at Masonic Village at Sewickley, runs a grief support group when there is resident interest. The groups typically last for six to eight weeks, where the goal is to help participants navigate and understand the grieving process.

“We go through the five stages of grief and normal versus complicated grief,” she said. “I have them look inward to see where they are in the grief process and help them identify when/if they should seek medical help. We talk about how adrenaline and cortisol can be related to the grieving process and how grief can re-trigger feelings several years after the death of a loved one. In addition, we talk about survival tips for the holidays, learning deep breathing techniques and writing down wellness goals.”

Homework is often assigned after each meeting, with journaling being an ongoing activity. At the final meeting, participants typically write a note to their loved one and attach it to a balloon.

“We then have a silent moment and release the balloons together as a symbol of acknowledging our loved ones and moving forward with their lives,” Theresa said. “This release is often met with emotion, appreciation and cleansing.”

Masonic Village at Warminster, which provides nursing care services, does not have a bereavement group, but offers support to staff, especially after losing a long-term resident. Families are offered bereavement support through local hospice providers for more than a year after their loved one’s death, said Kelly Shrum, executive director.

Masonic Village at Dallas staff provide a list of grief counseling options for residents who need help with the healing process. This includes local church support groups, as well as individual and group counseling professionals. (Masonic Village is neither affiliated with, nor endorses, any of the resources listed; they are provided for informational purposes only.)

Masonic Village at Elizabethtown, due to its sheer size, has many support groups available between Masonic Village Hospice and spiritual care. Some examples are:

Grief Journey and Your Wellness

This group is for those who are newly bereaved and focuses on grief’s impact on wellness. It meets on the third Thursday of the month, at 6 p.m., in the Keystone Room. 

Hope Finders

Hope Finders is for men and women seeking hope, light and encouragement as they learn to live and thrive without their life partners. Meetings are held on the fourth Friday of the month, at 10:30 a.m., in the Keystone Room. 

Hope Share

Hope Share is a support program for those who have lost a spouse. It meets twice a year on Tuesdays and is a seven-week session. 

Keystone Support Group

This group is for individuals who have been grieving for two or more years and are interested in life after loss. Meetings are held on the second Monday of the month, at 10:30 a.m., in the Keystone Room. 

Sycamore North Bereavement Support Group

This group is for newly bereaved individuals, grieving for two years or less. Anyone is welcome to attend in their new grief journey. It meets on the third Thursday of the month, at 12:30 p.m., in the Sycamore North Recreation Room. 

Loss, in its many different forms, is difficult to face alone. At each Masonic Village location, residents and families can find resources and support for their personal journey.