Grief Groups by Phone Removing Barriers, Reaching Out, Providing Care - PowerPoint Presentation

1. Grief Groups by PhoneRemoving Barriers, Reaching Out, Providing CareBy Sandra Bochonok, D.MinCHI Franciscan Bereavement Counselorsandrabochonok@chifranciscan.org

2. “Best practice”2017 Joint Commission Survey recommendation

3. NHPCO Regulatory ComplianceMedicare Conditions of ParticipationBereavement mandate for one yearHospices vary greatly in resources and trained personnelChallenges and community requestsFinancial realities

4. CHI Franciscan 2014 Situation Rapid numerical growth spurtIncreased geographical coverageHigher demand for bereavement follow upLimited staff and budget restrictionsBereavement department brainstorming – how can we do more with what we have? Who are the overlooked and underserved? How can we reach out more effectively?

5. Sloan Kettering Medical Center programSKMC offered a model of phone support groupsGroup specific – patients with different cancers, caregiver support and bereavementPhone groups facilitated by trained social workers/bereavement counselorsAll participants were required to register through a registrarIt was a free, time tested service

6. Virtual – Electronic optionsMany possibilities for e- grief supportEach had challenges: websites, chat rooms, closed Facebook pages, U-tube videosHealth care using more virtual options for health, wellness and support groupsPhone support groups are the lowest tech option and common denominator.Not all bereaved clients had computers or were not technically savvy

7. Phone groupsHave been in existence since 1960’s Used throughout the world for local, national and global supportAA, Crisis lines, group specific phone groups, distance learning classesBereavement phone counseling a big part of follow upIDT meetings already using a toll free conference line by field staff

8. Grief Groups by PhoneA valuable, low cost supplement to existing programs of traditional grief groups, workshops and special eventsIncreases bereavement availability to clients for any client with a phoneProvides a valuable service to community bereavement clientsFollowed the Sloan Kettering format requiring pre-registration2015 launched twice monthly phone support group

9. Simple one hour formatFacilitator welcomes callersGround rules (what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas)A very brief readingFirst name intros and what they most need from the hourCaring and sharing, facilitated by counselorEducational momentSummation and reminder of next group date (1st and 3rd Friday)

10. Who used the twice monthly phone group?A woman calling from New JerseyA 46 year old man calling from a train station in SpokaneA community bereavement client without insuranceA blind, elderly, homebound widowClients registered and called from NJ, WA, NC, NV, OR, CA, HI, GA and ALAClients registered but have not yet called from Belize and Sweden

11. The 6 Week Phone Group ProgramBased on our traditional six week group format and curriculumEach week had a topic, reading material, an assignmentA surprising demographic for first pilot group: older widows from 2 statesSecond six week pilot had younger widows from 3 states

12. Phone Program AdvantagesSaved clients travel time and travel costsMade bereavement support more accessible for those unable to attend a traditional group, or who lived where no groups were availableProvided a degree of anonymity that was comforting to someClients called from the comfort of their homes, the privacy of their office, cars and hotel roomsSome clients focus better audibly on what is shared

13. More AdvantagesWith good listening skills, counselors can be very effectiveReduces psychological barriers that discourage some from seeking helpIt is convenient and affordableNo geographical limitations to phone counselingSaves office expenses, it’s a “green” way to counselSome people are more relaxed on the phoneSaves counselor time used otherwise for travel, set up, meeting and greeting, clean upEasy documentation

14. Disadvantages to Phone ProgramSome do not like to talk on phoneCalls can be interrupted, or affected by situational pressuresNo guaranteed privacy: loudspeakers, recordings, multiple phone connectionsCan contribute to “distance” in the therapeutic relationship. Some feel safer in the physical presence of another personIf counseling staff is rotated through group, repeat callers cannot develop a relationship in the same way as in traditional therapySome clients are inappropriate for phone group

15. Other DifficultiesSome cannot talk on phone due to speech problemsHearing impairmentsPhysical weaknesses or infirmitiesTime managementInappropriate clientsPoor cell coverage and dropped calls

16. Client Comments“I don’t want it to stop!”“You pulled me off the edge of the cliff today.”“I am deeply grateful for this program … loved the convenience”“I still feel like a fledgling widow but this six week … phone group helped me know I have wings.”“It’s great for people like me who don’t drive”

17. Questions for considerationWould a phone support group enhance, supplement or improve your hospice bereavement care accessibility to your clients?Would such a program benefit those who otherwise might be overlooked or underserved, including your elderly, blind, mobility restriction, as well as those who cannot access a local support group?Would this care concept provide an inexpensive, low tech and convenient way to expand or enhance your current programs?

18. SummationLocal, national and international potentialLow cost, low tech, low overheadMultiple staff can be trained to facilitate