A Clearer Path Through Grief in Central Oregon

Processing grief doesn’t happen in a straight line. It is a complex journey that can cause significant stress for people of all ages. Grief affects everyone differently, but it can be especially challenging for seniors who may be navigating health changes and multiple life transitions simultaneously.

Understanding How Grief and Stress Are Connected

Grief affects us both emotionally and physically. Kat Crawford, our Bereavement Coordinator and Camp Sunrise Director, explains that stress is a natural response to big changes. Everyday stress usually passes quickly, but stress from loss can last much longer. 

For seniors, this ongoing stress can weaken the immune system and increase heart disease risk, so taking care of one’s health is especially important. Simple steps like staying hydrated, eating regular meals, getting enough sleep, and taking time to rest can make a real difference. Although grief is never easy, healing is possible. With support and small steps each day, it is possible to feel better and find hope in the future. You are not alone, and help is always available.

To help manage grief, we suggest focusing on your basic needs. Gentle activities like walking or stretching can boost your mood and energy. Mindfulness practices, such as deep breathing or spending time outdoors, can help clear your mind when you feel overwhelmed. Making sure you feel safe, connected to others, and have a sense of purpose is important for long-term healing.

Moving Forward While Remembering

Many people worry that moving forward means forgetting someone they loved. But healing is really about finding new ways to remember them. You can honor your loved one by creating personal rituals, such as visiting a favorite place or supporting a cause that was important to them.

Healing also means knowing when to ask for help. If the stress you’re experiencing feels like too much or sadness and anxiety last for weeks, talking to your doctor, a spiritual leader, or joining one of our grief groups can make a big difference. 

Here are three grief support programs available at ClearPath Healthcare: 

Grief Support: We offer free adult grief support on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month. Any grieving community member who wishes to engage in social interaction and receive support is welcome to attend. Prior hospice services are not a prerequisite for attendance. 

Bereavement Companions: Social interaction and companionship are important for healing. That’s why we offer bereavement companions, volunteers who provide friendly visits to those who request this type of support. 

If you would like to join our grief support group, sign up for a bereavement companion, or have questions, you can call us at 541.548.7483, email us, or simply drop in during any group session. Reaching out is easy, and we are here to help you take the next step toward healing.

Grief Support for Kids and Teens

Grief affects the youngest members of our community just as deeply as adults; they just process it differently. For 28 years, we have hosted Camp Sunrise, Oregon’s longest-running free grief camp for kids and teens.

  • Camp Sunrise (Ages 7–12): A three-day overnight camp on June 19-21st, Camp Sunrise is a special grief program that supports kids in processing their feelings with others who understand what they are going through. This year’s children’s program will include structured games, music, art, stories, and other therapies to help bereaved campers understand their feelings and cope with grief.
  • Teen Grief Retreat (Ages 13–17): From 9 am to 9 pm on June 20th, our Teen Grief Retreat is an age-appropriate grief program that is designed to meet the unique emotional and social needs of teenagers. The teen program will incorporate some of the elements of our younger camp, such as art therapy, into a mature program with age-specific topics tailored to teens’ unique needs.

Parents, grandparents, caregivers, counselors, teachers, and others can refer campers to Camp Sunrise. Applications are currently open for our upcoming camp. Learn more or apply online here. 

When Words Aren’t Enough: Finding a Creative Outlet

Sometimes, traditional support groups may not fully express what you are feeling. We want to share a local resource that supports our mission of community healing: “When Words Aren’t Enough,” a workshop led by local artist Anastasia Zielinski.

Anastasia, who owns Freak’n Art in Bend, teaches participants a mixed-media art technique to create a personal piece in honor of someone they love. The workshop is $75 and open to all community members, regardless of artistic experience. All necessary art materials are provided, but attendees are encouraged to bring photos, mementos, or letters to include in their artwork. To help everyone feel supported, a death doula from A Peaceful Presence Project is present at every session to offer caring emotional support. You can learn more or register here.

Upcoming Workshop Details:

  • Date & Time: Thursday, May 28th, 5:15–7:15 PM
  • Location: Freak’n Art, 1265 NW Wall St., Bend, OR, 97703

Support for Everyone

If you are looking for support for yourself or a young person, ClearPath Healthcare is here for you. Our commitment to community grief support at ClearPath Healthcare is open to everyone, not just our patients, because we believe no one should have to carry this weight alone.