HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Grieving the loss of a loved one, especially to cancer, does not stop with the COVID-19 pandemic. Hospice and Homecare of Reno County has established a Zoom video program for conducting grieving counseling.
“We normally offer a grief support group throughout the community . . . that’s been going on for years and years,” Jeff Jones, chaplain for Hospice and Homecare, said. “What is new is the COVID-19 prevents letting us meet and so because of Zoom and the technology that is available we’re able to meet in a virtual world.”
Jones says the ability to get out and heal from the grieving process is being blunted by the COVID-19 outbreak.
“We haven’t been able to go to church in how many weeks? And for some that's how they draw their strength is in faith,” Jones said. “So they’re having to watch it at home.” Jones says many tell him that it's a little different watching church when you’re in your “jammies” than when you are there in person.
Jones says the first meeting held on Monday had three people online. He said most of the talk was related to changes brought on by the pandemic rather than grief support. Three meetings will be held each week to accommodate those when they would like to attend.
A complete schedule and Zoom login information is available on the Hospice and Homecare Facebook page.