Grief touches every part of life. You may be handling paperwork and memorial plans while your body is tired and your mind feels foggy. You might worry about how your children are coping or how you will return to work and routines in Westminster and across Orange County. It is common to ask if what you feel is normal.
You deserve support that is compassionate, practical, and close to home in Westminster, Orange County, and nearby communities in Los Angeles County and the Inland Empire. On this page you will find what grief looks like, what healthy support can include, and simple ways to get started. If you need to talk now, call (714) 844-7777.
What Grief Feels Like
Grief affects your whole life. You might notice changes in sleep, appetite, energy, focus, and relationships. These reactions are normal and they change over time. Some people prefer quiet, others feel better in a group. There is no single timeline for healing.
Local hospice programs and community agencies offer education, one-to-one check-ins, and support groups that help people understand what to expect and how to cope.
How We Support You
You receive caring guidance from a bereavement team that understands loss. Support can include:
- Pre-bereavement support when a loved one is nearing end of life, so you are not facing the first days of loss alone.
- Check-in calls, short-term counseling, and group options that teach coping skills and connect you with others who understand.
- Structured follow-up during the first year after a death, since milestones and holidays can be especially difficult. Many hospice programs offer ongoing contact for up to 13 months.
If your loved one was not in hospice, you can still find grief groups and services in your local region through professional associations.
Types of Bereavement Support
Finding the right fit matters. You can start with one option and switch as your needs change. Availability may vary by location in Westminster, Orange County, Los Angeles County, and the Inland Empire.
- Individual support: brief one-to-one check-ins focused on coping skills.
- Support groups: meet others, learn practical tools.
- Family sessions: share memories, align expectations at home.
- Children and teens: age-appropriate activities and caregiver coaching.
- Spiritual and cultural care: honor rituals and language preferences.
- Crisis referrals: help connecting to licensed therapists or urgent care.
- Follow-up: touchpoints during the first year, especially around milestones.
Support For Your Family’s Unique Needs
Grief is personal. Our team at Maxcare Hospice can help you find care that matches your culture, language, and stage of grief.
- Adults and caregivers: education on coping, communication, and self-care; referrals for individual counseling and support groups.
- Children and teens: age-specific programs blend grief education with art, music, and movement. Free bereavement camps like Camp Kangaroo operate nationwide and can be a healing bridge for youth and families.
- Anticipatory grief: guidance before a loss can soften the impact afterward and prepare the family for decisions and rituals.
- Local and statewide resources: directories can help you locate groups near Westminster and across Orange County, Los Angeles County, and the Inland Empire.
A Simple Plan To Begin
- Talk with a Bereavement Coordinator. Share what you are experiencing. Together we identify the best next step, such as a call, visit, or group.
- Choose your support path. Pick from individual check-ins, grief groups, or family-focused resources. If you are supporting children, we provide age-appropriate options and caregiver tools.
- Stay connected. Many people find that regular touchpoints over the first year help them feel less alone. We review what is helping and adjust as needs change.
What Healthy Grief Support Looks Like
- Education so you know what is normal and when to seek more help.
- Community through groups where you can share and listen at your own pace.
- Tools for hard days like anniversaries, birthdays, and holidays. Some programs mail seasonal tips and coping guides.
- Referrals to county, state, and national organizations that match your situation, including multilingual and culturally specific options.
If You Are In Crisis
If you feel unsafe or overwhelmed, call 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If there is immediate danger, call 911.
Helpful Next Steps
If you need immediate help during this challenging stage, you can reach us anytime at (714) 844-7777. Speak with a caring team member by reaching us online. We will listen, help you choose the next step, and connect you with local resources that fit your needs.
Learn about our dedicated bereavement services and legacy activities that honor your loved one’s story. You can explore care options for a family member nearing the end of life through our services page. We support families in Westminster and Orange County, along with Los Angeles County and the Inland Empire, and nearby areas.
