What is Bereavement? Bereavement coincides with the imminent
dying and death of the individual and consists of two stages:
separation and mourning. Separation occurs when the loved one’s
consciousness diminishes and awareness of the environment
vanishes. At this time, the family fully experiences their loss
and the loneliness of separation. Self-absorption is the hurdle
for the family to overcome now. Hospice intervention is directed
toward promoting intimacy, if family members are to be supported
in their ability to grieve within their family network. Mourning
begins when the reality of impending death hits. The obstacle
for the family to overcome here is guilt. Human grief is as
strong and as unique as the relationship that has been severed.
Grief is a personal experience, different for each member of a
family who is grieving over the loss of the same person. Hospice
intervention is geared toward fostering relief expressed through
mourning. The family members may have reached the limits of
their own enduran