Grief and Healing in NC
Grief and Healing
Grief is an emotional response to loss and encompasses a range of feelings from sadness and despair to anger and confusion. While there are common elements of grief, every person grieves in their own unique way and at their own pace. Grief can impact your whole being: physically, cognitively, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. The Center for Grief and Healing at Carolina Caring understands the complexities of loss and is here to support you on your path to healing.
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Download our Caregiver eBook to confidently navigate the emotional and practical aspects of hospice caregiving.
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Counseling Services
Grief counseling and supportive resources is offered at no cost to families of hospice patients for up to 13 months following a death. For the community, our grief services are provided at no cost to anyone who has experienced a loss due to a death.
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Support Groups and Events
Grief support groups provide a safe, accepting space for individuals to share their experiences with others navigating similar losses. All of our support groups are free and open to Carolina Caring clients and those in the community who have experienced loss.
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Brighter Days for Children
Our Brighter Days program offers grief support for children and teens who have experienced the death of someone significant in their lives. Our team works with the children individually, and in groups, with grief workshops offered throughout the year. One of the highlights of the program is the Brighter Days Grief Camps offered during the summer months. The camps promote healing through conversation, memory-making activities, and camaraderie while providing healthy ways to process and express their grief.
What Our Patients Say
“The Carolina Caring team was amazing, thoughtful and kind. In the moments of fear, sadness and confusion, they educated my family and provided comfort to not only our grandmother but to all of us.”
Ashley
Granddaughter of Carolina Caring Patient
“I cannot express how wonderful all staff have been during my mom’s final 5 months at home and then in the nursing home in Gastonia. They surely made mom’s last months comfortable. A wonderful team of true professionals!”
Ronald
Son of Carolina Caring Patient
“My mother has been in their care for almost a year and my father before that. Every single person I have met was exceptional and almost empathic. Anticipating my needs , answering questions, and gently caring for the whole family.”
Michael
Son of Carolina Caring Patient
“The staff is very proficient, caring, and understanding of anything that may be happening. They keep your loved one comfortable and they check on your loved one once an hour unless you need anything in between checks.”
Elizabeth
Daughter of Carolina Caring Patient
“Every single employee was professional and comforting. My Dad and our immediate family were cared for with respect through a difficult time. Didn’t feel like a clinical place. Felt like a place of compassion.”
Tim
Son of Carolina Caring Patient
Our Community
We are proud to bring equitable end-of-life care to communities across western North Carolina.
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Why Choose Carolina Caring?
Since 1979, we have walked patients and their families through some of life’s toughest moments. At Carolina Caring, we are committed to helping families as they navigate their grief, ensuring they receive the compassionate support and guidance they need during times of loss.
Gold Seal of Approval
After meticulous reviews and evaluations, we are proud to have received The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for home care quality and safety.
Award-Winning Care
Our dedication to patients and their families earned us the Hospice CAHPS Honors Award. This honor is reserved for the country’s highest-performing hospice providers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What support does Carolina Caring offer grieving individuals and families?
Carolina Caring provides a range of support services, including one-on-one grief counseling, support groups, grief workshops, educational resources.
Are Carolina Caring's grief workshops open to everyone?
Yes, grief support groups and grief workshops are open to both clients and community members who have experienced loss.
How long are counseling services available at Carolina Caring after a loss?
Grief counseling services are available for 13 months for families of hospice patients following the loss.
Who can attend Brighter Days Camp?
This camp is for children ages five to 16 who have experienced the death of someone significant in their lives.
Register Here
Upcoming Events
All support groups are free and open to Carolina Caring clients as well as those in the community who have experienced loss.
At this time, most support groups require registration. Instructions for participating in virtual meetings will be provided.
Please register here or contact our staff at 828.466.0466 ext. 3201 or email wspurling@carolinacaring.org .
Loss of Spouse Group
Carolina Caring is offering a 5-week support group for anyone who is grieving the loss of a spouse or a companion.
This group meets Wednesdays from March 26th to April 30th from 1:00pm – 2:00pm. Please register by Friday, March 21st, 2025.
Carolina Caring – 2240 Remount Road, Gastonia, NC
Good Mourning Coffee Groups
Grab a cup of coffee and join us for an informal time of sharing and connecting with others who are on a journey of healing. No registration required.
Meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 9a to 10a:
IHOP – 2415 US Hwy 70 SE, Hickory, NC 28602
OR
Fryeday Coffee – 106 E. First Street, Unit B, Lowell, NC 28098
Head and Heart: How do I Grieve
Grief can sometimes feel like it’s a battle between your head and heart. Join us for a workshop that will help you identify how you tend to grieve and ways to cope inspired by the research and teachings of Dr. Kenneth Doka.
Meets Tuesday, March 11th from 3p to 4p:
Please register by Tuesday, March 6th, 2025
Carolina Caring – 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC
Self Care: While Grieving
This workshop offers 23 practical tips on self- care while navigating one’s grief. While listening to practical tips presentation, enjoy making your favorite glass bead bracelet or necklace as a fun way to enjoy your creative/artistic side.
Meets Thursday, March 20th from 12p to 1:30p:
Please register by Thursday, March 13th, 2025
Carolina Caring – 301 E. Centerview Street, China Grove, NC
Game Night
Bring your favorite game or cards for an evening of fun and pizza with others who are on a path of healing.
Meets Friday, March 28th at 5p:
Please register by Tuesday, March 25th, 2025
Carolina Caring – 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC
The Power of Written Expression
Writing can help release emotions that may be difficult to express verbally. This workshop will explore the physical and emotional benefits of writing, particularly following a loss. Facilitators will provide examples of different formats and ideas about how to record thoughts, feelings and memories (journaling, letters or simply making lists). Participants will NOT be expected to share personal writing – the goal is to spark interest and provide gentle encouragement.
Meets Saturday, April 5th from 10a-11:30a:
Please register by Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025
Carolina Caring – 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC
Pieces of Grief
Dealing with the loss of a loved one is hard. Creative outlets can offer a personal and unique approach for expressing and coping with these feelings. We invite you to bring a small picture to use as we create a collage to remember and honor your loved one.
Meets Thursday, April 10th from 3p-4:30p:
Please register by Thursday, April 3rd, 2025
Carolina Caring – 301 E. Centerview Street, China Grove, NC
Hart Square Village
Hart Square is partnering with Carolina Caring and will host a grief day camp at Hart Square Village. This program will be for children ages 5-14 who have experienced a loss. The children will engage in hands-on activities to help them understand and express their grief in a creative and meaningful way. Each child will create a unique piece of artwork they have hand-crafted in honor of their loved one.
Meets Monday, April 21st from 9:30a-1:15p:
Please register by Friday, April 11th, 2025
Hart Square Village – 5055 Hope Road, Vale, NC
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