When and How to Use the Services of Hospice of the North Coast

When a loved one is dying.
After a loved one has died.
When information is needed on the grief process (what to expect during grief, how to help a grieving person, self-care while grieving, etc.).
When a grieving person exhibits “red flag” behavior (see list below).
When a grieving adult, child or family needs additional support and guidance.
When schools. community organizations or business need assistance in providing grief education, crisis intervention and/or support services.
When other community referrals are needed.

The following “red flags” indicate that the grieving individual needs professional intervention.

chronic or severe somatic symptoms (headaches, stomach aches, etc.)
pronounced self-blame
chronic school problems
nightmares/sleep disturbances
extreme regression (return to bedwetting, clinging, thumb-sucking, etc.)
poor self-care
excessive hopelessness
extreme anger/hostility/violence or other extreme acting out/defiance
social isolation/extreme withdrawal
sudden change in friends/peer group
intense separation anxieties or phobias
apparent absence of grief or unwillingness to discuss the loss
skipping school
intense involvement in dating relationship to the exclusion of other friends or activities
extreme negativity/gloom
intense attraction to the topic of death, or fixation on the subject of death
illegal activity/violating the rights of others
substance abuse
suicidal thoughts or plans

persistent somatic complaints, physical problems, or chronic illnessacute anxiety or panic attacks
acute anxiety or panic attacks
excessive hostility and anger
inability to work
poor self-care or inability to meet daily needs of self, dependents
social isolation
increased or new alcohol/drug/nicotine use
sleep disturbances
eating disturbances, appetite changes, or major weight loss or gain
lasting or agitated depression
excessive and unrealistic guilt
suicidal thoughts or plans