Happy2BaMom Posted September 29, 2015 Share Posted September 29, 2015 Don't want to give too many details on the internet, but friends of a family member just lost their toddler on Sunday. Went down for a nap and never woke up again. They do not know what happened yet; an autopsy will be done to help determine cause of death. These were wonderful parents, all the more amazing because they both had rough backgrounds and neither was parented well as a child. They have very little money or support and aren't the sort to go out and find resources to help them through this (nor are they currently in that frame of mind). They are allowing my family member to help them (thankfully), but this person is very worried about how they will cope on a longer term basis. She is looking into whether there is any low-cost grief counseling available through a hospital or some such outlet. They are located in a large city. The father was particularly attached to his child and has just largely shut down. Not unusual at this stage, probably. I am wondering if anyone has any suggestions for books or online sites or something that my family member might be able to pass on to them for when they are ready to think of such things. Or any BTDT advice as well. TIA. Edited to add: As far as I know, they are not a religious family, so I don't believe that help from their church is available. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
klmama Posted September 29, 2015 Share Posted September 29, 2015 GriefShare might be of help. If there's no group near them, maybe they'll get something out of reading the daily encouragement emails. http://www.griefshare.org/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beaniemom Posted September 29, 2015 Share Posted September 29, 2015 Although the parents aren't religious, churches can often point the way to sliding scale counselors. This may be something a friend or family member can get information on for when they are ready. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy2BaMom Posted September 30, 2015 Author Share Posted September 30, 2015 Thanks for the responses. I will suggest they check out a local church, and I was unaware of GriefShare, so I appreciate the link. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmilyGF Posted September 30, 2015 Share Posted September 30, 2015 How about Compassionate Friends? I've not been involved with it (had enough support) but friends recommended it if we needed it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rachel Posted September 30, 2015 Share Posted September 30, 2015 Hospice has free grief counseling and support groups in many areas. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happi duck Posted September 30, 2015 Share Posted September 30, 2015 Our hospital has a free non-religious grief group...so their local hospitals might be a resource. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starr Posted September 30, 2015 Share Posted September 30, 2015 I would call the local hospitals and hospice for them. It's just too hard sometimes to make all the plans. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom2scouts Posted September 30, 2015 Share Posted September 30, 2015 I agree that a hospital, especially a children's hospital, is likely to have free parent grief groups. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LMV Posted September 30, 2015 Share Posted September 30, 2015 Much compassion and empathy for your friends during this difficult time. As Emily mentioned, Compassionate Friends can be a good resource. You can look for a local chapter here: https://www.compassionatefriends.org/Find_Support/Chapters/Chapter_Locator.aspx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aiden Posted September 30, 2015 Share Posted September 30, 2015 Check with your local hospital system. In a smaller city I used to live in, there were counselors attached to the hospital system who used a sliding pay scale. They were pastoral counselors, but they worked with clients of all and no faith, and they didn't insert Christianity into the sessions unless the patient was a Christian who wanted them to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiwik Posted September 30, 2015 Share Posted September 30, 2015 I don't know but is there an organisation that can help with funeral costs etc as well as counselling where you are? Here there is also a cot death support group who may have resources and contacts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy2BaMom Posted October 2, 2015 Author Share Posted October 2, 2015 I am just getting back to this after being knocked flat by a horrible cold/flu virus. I appreciate all of the resources mentioned, esp. Compassionate Friends. Apparently the father is not yet able to absorb any of this, but, hopefully, with a little more time, they can find their way to move forward. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
applethyme Posted October 2, 2015 Share Posted October 2, 2015 Most hospices offer free bereavement services. There is usually a limit but it would at least be something. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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