Can you name some websites or forums that provide support, counselling, or programs for seniors dealing with the grief of losing their loved ones?
An online grief support group is not a replacement for emergency services. If you or someone you know has a mental health crisis, you should contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, text “HOME” to 741741, or go to your nearest emergency room.
Grief in Common, Best Online Consoling and Support for All Losses
People who have experienced any loss can find support at Grief in Common. The purpose of Grief in Common is to connect people who have suffered similar losses with one another. Apart from free features, group and individual sessions are also available for an additional fee.
By creating a profile, you describe who you lost and how you lost them. When you do that, you join a chat room with people who have been through the same thing as you. Site features such as the forums, tribute pages, match feature, and resources page are free.
To use the live chat feature, you have to pay $0.99 a month or $9.99 for the whole year. The website offers to cancel this fee if that’s not affordable for you so that everyone has access to the assistance they need. There is also a free 15-minute individual session offered by Grief in Common for first-time clients taking advantage of the virtual grief coaching service.
Advantages
• A wide range of free features are available
• Provides both individual and group counseling
• Provides live chat with people experiencing similar types of losses
Disadvantages
• Certain features come at an additional cost
The Compassionate Friends, Helpful for the Loss of a Sibling or Child
As well as offering a wide range of private groups for additional peer support, this free support group provides a lot of resources for those who have lost a child or sibling. Live chats are available in a friendly environment, where users can develop friendships with people who understand what they are going through. Furthermore, you can join about 30 private, moderated Facebook groups to connect with other people going through the same loss. The only disadvantage is there is no opportunity to express your grief vocally in this group. However, it may be possible to attend events in person if you live in an area with a local chapter.
Advantages
• There are more than 30 private Facebook groups available
• Some areas offer in-person events
• Free to use
Disadvantages
• Virtual meetings are not attainable at this time
• Coaching is not available on a one-on-one or group basis.
Soaring Spirits International Widowed Village, Best for the Loss of a Spouse
For those grieving the loss of a spouse, this free support group offers a variety of resources. Additionally, you can meet peers in-person through the pen pal program and participate in in-person events. The website connects you with widowers of the same age, location, and date of widowhood as you.
Free membership provides access to resources such as the Newly Widowed Virtual program, guest speakers, educational videos, weekly Zoom gatherings, talk groups, and other resources. In keeping with most support groups, the goal of this program is to complement therapy and therapeutic assistance from trained professionals. The information is intended only for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice.
Advantages
• Has several resources to choose from
• You can receive support from regional groups, in-person events, and pen pals
• Free to join
Disadvantages
• Has no support from mental health experts
