The Compassionate Grief Centre in Rothesay has launched a new seniors program for the region aimed at helping those 65 and older who are dealing with loss amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Director of Operations, Sandy Maxwell says the Canadian Grief Alliance has named grief as the hidden healthcare crisis of the pandemic. The provincial government has estimated over 51 per cent of New Brunswickers are at risk for mental health issues due to the pandemic.
“We know that the seniors have been among the hardest hit with the pandemic,” said Maxwell. “Many of them were locked up at home, locked up in nursing homes, locked up in hospital, and couldn’t see loved ones and be part of their community.”
While some seniors suffered a tremendous amount of loss, many others experienced a cut-off from normal ways of coping, grieving and finding support because funerals and funeral home gatherings were prohibited.
“They need help and they need support and we really feel strongly that our seniors are very important to our community – they’ve contributed a lot over many, many years,” Maxwell said.
In response, the centre sought and received funding from the Community Foundation SJ to develop a free six-month pilot program offering free private counselling and free grief groups for seniors.
“Often times there’s lots of programs for children and youth and not a lot for seniors, so we’re really proud to bring this to our community and to try to help,” Maxwell said.
Response has been extremely positive, with over 15 seniors already signed up for grief groups and six seniors signed up for private counselling.
“Counseling wasn’t a big part of seniors’ lives when they were growing up, but I think through this pandemic they realized help is available and they’re seeking it,” said Maxwell, adding the centre is currently working with the government to make both grief and loss integral parts of the province’s mental health strategy.
“I’m really pleased that there’s already been a large number of people who are coming through our private counseling and in our grief groups – I think that’s going to continue as we go forward.”
Those interested in learning more about the program can visit the Compassionate Grief Centre’s website or by calling (506) 847-0002.