At some point, all of us experience the loss of someone important in our lives—whether that loved one was enrolled in a hospice program or died in some other way. Perspectives on grief and loss and the wealth of informational resources contained on this website may help clarify these issues in your life.

Patients and families who have experienced grief and loss have shared their stories with VITAS, and those stories may offer you some comfort and encouragement. You also will find a variety of articles and resources here to help you find the answers to your questions about grief and loss:

• Tips for adults who are coping with a loss
• Tips for assisting children and teens who are grieving
• Poems and prose about grief and loss
• Articles for professional providers on providing effective bereavement care
• A detailed resource list of books and bereavement journals
• Links to other grief websites

In some cases, the experience of loss and growth through bereavement support comes full circle when a bereaved person decides to give back to his or her community by becoming a hospice volunteer. Information on volunteer opportunities at VITAS may help you consider if this path is right for you.