Angela Answers: When a Parent Loses a Child

“By using a virtual platform, Angela Answers is available in the convenience of your own home while providing critical education on difficult topics…,” said Debbie Vallandingham, Angela Hospice’s Director of Grief Care Services. Debbie will discuss some of the challenges parents face when their child of any age passes, on July 20 during Bereaved Parents Awareness month, in the series’ next installment. “Our Parent Grief session will help those who have lost a child understand the unique challenges of that type of loss and provide resources where they can seek ongoing support through the community and with Angela Hospice.”

Launched in May 2022, Angela Answers has had presentations focused on mindfulness led by Angela Hospice’s Director of Integrative Therapies & Volunteer Services Teri Schmitchen, and on caring for those with dementia, presented by Executive Director Jamie LaLonde. In August, Jordan Richter, nurse practitioner with Angela Palliative Care, will explain the difference between palliative care and hospice, both of which are often misunderstood.

”We designed this series because we know that there are questions that people are often afraid to ask – and yet, the answers to those questions can ultimately leave us feeling empowered and better prepared to face what is next,” said Lisa Norton, communications and development manager for Angela Hospice. “It is our hope that Angela Answers will engage our community in a way that promotes healthy communication and provides some ease and comfort around topics that could otherwise be really challenging.”

Throughout the rest of the year the Angela Hospice team will present on everything from the challenges caregivers face and self-care tips to help reduce burnout, to ways music therapy can help those coping with illness and grief, and what to expect on the hospice journey. All of these presentations are free for anyone to participate.

With a mission rooted in providing compassionate care for others, Angela Hospice has been a leader in the hospice industry throughout southeast Michigan for over 35 years.

For more information about upcoming Angela Answers presentations, please visit here.

And you can watch all of our previous presentations on our YouTube.