Visiting Nurse Support Groups Start in January–Caregivers and Grieving Spouses

Wilton’s Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County will be offering new support groups that start in January. All support groups are free of charge and will be held at the offices of Visiting Nurse & Hospice, Suite 114 at the Health and Wellness Center at I-Park (761 Main Ave./Rte. 7) on the Norwalk/Wilton town line.

Bereavement Support Groups to Those Grieving the Loss of a Spouse

Wilton’s Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County will offer two, 8-week bereavement support groups this winter to help individuals cope with loss following the death of a spouse.

One support group will meet Wednesday afternoons from 1:30-3 p.m. beginning Jan. 17 and continuing through Mar. 7. The second support group will meet Thursday evenings from 6-7:30 p.m. beginning Feb. 1 and continuing through Mar. 22.

“In these support groups, we will explore the grieving process and the profound sense of personal loss that follows the death of a spouse,” says Nanette Greene, MA, LPC, a grief and bereavement counselor with Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County.

“With the death of a spouse, we experience the loss of what is probably the most fundamental relationship in our adult lives,” she adds. “We not only lose a loved one but a vital part of our identity as well. It can feel like half of our self is gone when a husband or wife dies and this can be traumatic. These bereavement support groups will help participants gain a deeper understanding of their feelings of grief and loss and begin the process of healing.”

Both groups are free-of-charge and open to the public but pre-registration is required. For more information, or to register to attend one of the bereavement support groups, call Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County at 203.762.8958, ext. 255.

Caregiver Support Groups

Wilton’s Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County is sponsoring an 8-week support group for caregivers, Tuesday afternoons from 1-2:30 p.m., beginning Jan. 16 through Mar. 6.

“Any person caring for a family member or loved one at home with a chronic illness or debilitating condition soon realizes that they have lost their independence and freedom,” says Laurie Petrasanta, MS, BSW, a counselor with Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County. “The stress and exhaustion can be overwhelming for caregivers, especially during the winter months. Caregivers need to take a break and take care of themselves. They need to talk with others in similar circumstances, where they will find empathy and understanding that isn’t available anywhere else.”

The support group is free of charge and open to the public but pre-registration is required. For more information, or to pre-register for the Caregivers’ Support Group, contact Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County, at 203.834.6341, ext. 316.

A non-profit community organization for more than 100 years, Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County provides professional nursing and support services, senior care management, physical rehabilitation, health education, community wellness programs and compassionate hospice and palliative care for children and adults in Wilton and throughout Fairfield County. The agency is a preferred provider of home health care and hospice services for the Western Connecticut Health Network. Visit them at online or follow them on Facebook and Twitter.