A Time for Seniors: Local groups help people grieve in many different ways

Dear Candace: Recently I caught your radio program on KAHI and you were discussing the loss of a loved one, grieving and community resources (I think). I am wondering if you can provide me with a listing of senior service providers who are available to consult with or assist me in moving on in my grieving as I seem to be "stuck." Thanks, and I enjoy your column. — BernieDear Bernie: You are not alone in your request for this information; I have received numerous requests of late along these same lines.Grief Support for Widowed People — This is an all-volunteer organization. Volunteers meet monthly on the fourth Friday of each month from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in a private home for training and information. Volunteers must be a widow or widower in order to become a trained volunteer.Trained volunteers can help other people overcome their grief with one-to-one support. The role of the volunteer is "be there for the person who is grieving," says Sandy Ferguson, a longtime volunteer for the organization. "We don't refer to or rely on 'steps' to grieving as we believe everyone is individual in their grieving and should be allowed the freedom to grieve in their own way," Ferguson said. "We have found that if we refer to the grieving process as steps or levels, then people want to know if they are 'on schedule' or 'how much longer this level will last.' Although there may be steps or levels to grieving we don't subscribe to any standard way of doing it or any particular sequence."Grief Support for Widowed People is not a social organization, it is a nonprofit, support organization and support is available to individuals of all ages. To contact them, please call Sandy Ferguson at (530) 885-8298 or Phyllis Ingmire at (530) 878-7506. They offer free, confidential support.There is a training program offered each year in May for new volunteers, this year the date is set for May 30. Feel free to call if you are interested in volunteering or receiving assistance.Widowed Persons Association of California — Auburn — This is a social organization. They offer social activities, get-togethers and grief programs for widows and widowers who live in the greater Placer County area. According to Georgia Wilson, a longtime member and in charge of membership, "We have a lot of fun and have made a big difference in Auburn. We have a Get Acquainted meeting once a month, a general meeting once a month, we bowl once a week and get together for bingo, pinochle and other games twice a month, just to name a few of our activities." Annual dues are $24. For more information on this organization, please feel free to contact Georgia Wilson at (530) 878-1728 or Richard Marshall at (530) 889-1719.Senior Peer Counseling Program — This program was created to enable seniors to help other seniors who may be lonely, grieving, isolated, depressed, needing community support and other services. Senior Peer Counseling offers free confidential services to help seniors maintain optimum physical health, mental well-being and a self-directed lifestyle.Senior Peer Counseling is a free, confidential program available to Placer County residents who are 55 and older. To become a Senior Peer Counselor or to find out more about this program, please call (530) 886-3413. Senior Peer Counselors are available throughout western Placer County.AARP Online — For those who prefer to "go it alone" there are some excellent online resources, specifically, one I like is AARP.org/family/lifeafterloss. AARP's general instructions are: "Give yourself permission to mourn; Be aware that you may experience a range of emotions; With effort, you can and you must overcome your grief; When needed, find the strength to take action; Work to tame your fears; In your own time, in your own way; Stress can wreak havoc on your health; If interested, consider employment, continuing education or volunteer opportunities that match your needs and interests."Mail your senior-related questions to: A Time For Seniors, c/o Seniors First, 11566 D St., Auburn, CA, 95603, e-mail them to candace@seniorsfirst.org or call (530) 889-9500 ext. 203. Please include your name and phone number.