The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

22 - The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday November 1, 2008 www.oakvillebeaver.com Help coping with the death of a loved one By Angela Blackburn OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF When a loved one dies, you don't just get over it in time. You never get over it -- you adapt because you are forced to because the situation is imposed. How each person manages to do that is unique. There is no handbook on dealing with grief and no right or wrong. Long-time nurse Lynn Smail, the bereavement program co-ordinator at Acclaim Health (formerly Victorian Order of Nurses (VON)) knows that all too well. Over a 20-year career in professional nursing, 16 of it with Acclaim, Smail has spent most of her time in Acclaim's hospice program. As part of that program, she was following up with the surviving clients offering bereavement support. A one-time provincial grant a few years ago saw Acclaim formally establish a Bereavement Resource Centre at its offices located at 2370 Speers Rd. Generous donations and some cash from Acclaim's hospice program's annual budget have kept the centre running ever since and an official recognition ceremony of donors was held at an open house on Tuesday, Oct. 28. Clients of the free service have grown to number a 100-person caseload at any given time for Smail. Anyone in Halton can access the services though those suffering the death of a child or a child suffering the death of a parent are referred to other more specialized agencies and programs. Services are available only to those suffering a loss through death. The program offers a variety of support. There are in-home bereavement visits. The resource centre has books on bereavement and acts as a lending library. The centre also connects those seeking assistance with bereavement, if another agency or organization can better assist. "We can't be all things to all people," said Smail, noting those affected by suicide may be referred to another agency, as are parents or children dealing with the loss of a child or parent. "We deal a lot with spousal loss," said Smail. There is a support group for young widows aged 30 to 52. A c c l a i m ' s Bereavement Resource Centre offers support groups both spring and fall in Oakville and Georgetown. It continues to follow up with the families of clients at Ian Anderson House hospice. Some funeral homes make clients aware of the centre and its services and Smail does provide individual counselling to those who would prefer not to be part of a support group -- when it is convenient for them. "Bereavement is not easily discussed in general," said Smail. And the need for help often doesn't present itself until months after a loss is experienced. Smail said people who have a loved one die are often very busy with arrangements, legalities and government paperwork immediately following. They are also in a state of shock and therefore numb to their new reality. "Grief is a long process and we're not a long process world," admitted Smail. In fact, it isn't until about six months after a death that the numbness of shock begins to wane and Smail said, "The pain then becomes quite real." As people begin to live with their new reality, the need for help in coping with their grief often presents itself. Smail said it's often months after someone has experienced a loss that they call her and say they thought they were doing well, but have realized they need help. When they do, they are often very much in need of help. For some, a support group and the resultant knowledge that they're not alone or in circumstances that others don't comprehend, helps a great deal. Connections made with others going through similar circumstances can lead to new bonds of friendship and support. "Everybody goes at their own pace. There is no right or wrong way to do it, there's no handbook," said Smail. Anyone wishing to contact Smail or to donate books on bereavement for the resource centre, can find Acclaim's Bereavement Resource Centre at 2370 Speers Rd. or call 905-8278800, ext. 2313 or e-mail lsmail@acclaimhealth.ca. For more information, visit www.acclaimhealth.ca. LIESA KORTMANN / OAKVILLE BEAVER LENDING THEIR EXPERTISE: An open house was held to honour supporters of Acclaim Health's Bereavement Resource Centre Tuesday. Pictured at the event are, from left, Gerald Park, head of Acclaim's board, Anne King, director of community support services, Lynn Smail, bereavement program coordinator and CEO Angela Brewer. Feeling under the weather? Oil of Oregano 13.5 mL · The original oregano product from the oregano experts · Oregano Oil has been indicated for bronchitis, viral infections, arthritis, rheumatism, muscular pains, digestive problems, and irregular menstruation. · From wild, Mediterranean oregano · Extensively proven effective Colostrum 90's · Research proves bovine first milking colostrum enhances immune system function and supports growth and repair · Regulates auto-immune conditions · Achieve optimal health and slow down the aging process Olive Leaf 60's · Mediterranean people have long ascribed the beneficial properties of the olive leaf · A high-potency extract that may exert antioxidant effects and help support the immune system · Contains antioxidants oleurpein, oleuonids, ligostride, and flavanoids quercetin, and kaempferol 2 for$44 Oscillococcinum 6 doses 99 9 2 for$69 Acidophilus Ultra 120's 99 2 for$49 Anti-Viral Formula 90's 99 · Number one flu medicine in France · Stimulates your body's own defense systems · To decrease intensity and duration of flu symptoms · Homeopathic formula - gentle for kids and elderly · A special formula of 10 probiotics · Hypo-allergenic, dairy-free formula with 11 billion active living cells · Clean, protect, aid in protein digestion, stimulate the immune system, and replenish your gastrointestinal system · An optimal formula to support the body's immune system · Stops a cold, flu or other virus · Anti-fungal and antibacterial properties for improved overall health · From super-extracted Echinacea purpurea liquid 2 for 19 $ 99 2 for 69 $ 99 2 for 39 $ 99 SEEK THE ADVICE OF OUR PROFESSIONAL, QUALIFIED STAFF OR YOUR HEALTH PRACTITIONER. OFFER EXPIRES NOVEMBER 31, 2008