Coping with Grief This Mother's Day: A Compassionate Helpline from VITAS Healthcare

VITAS Healthcare Launches Free Mother's Day Grief Helpline

As we approach the cherished holiday of Mother's Day, a time typically filled with joy and family gatherings, it's important to acknowledge that for many people, this time can trigger intense feelings of grief. This is especially true for those who have experienced the loss of a mother or mother-figure, or who are anticipating such a loss. To support individuals grappling with these complex emotions, VITAS Healthcare is offering a free Mother's Day Grief Helpline on Sunday, May 10.

The helpline, which will operate from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET, aims to provide a haven of support for anyone experiencing grief. It offers access to trained bereavement specialists who understand how holidays can amplify feelings of sadness and loss. By calling 844.218.4827 or visiting VITAS.com/MothersDay, individuals can engage in compassionate conversations tailored to their unique experiences.

Jason Cooper, the national spiritual services lead for VITAS, emphasizes the significance of recognizing grief, especially during poignant times like Mother's Day. He notes that despite societal pressures to move on from grief, love endures beyond death. This reality makes the emotional weight of Mother’s Day even more pronounced for many, including adult children and those caring for aging parents. The helpline serves to validate this pain, reinforcing that no one grieving is truly alone.

VITAS has a long-standing commitment to holistic care, focusing on addressing not just the physical but also the emotional and spiritual needs of individuals. Their bereavement services extend beyond the Mother's Day helpline, including:

- Home visits from bereavement specialists and trained volunteers
- Bereavement telephone support
- Grief support groups led by VITAS staff
- Memorial services and creation of memory bears
- Educational resources and newsletters
- Referrals to community therapists and grief resources

This extensive network of services underscores VITAS's legacy of nearly 50 years in providing hospice care and bereavement support. With over 38,000 hospice patients last year identifying as mothers, it is evident that many families will feel the impact of this holiday profoundly.

Those seeking additional coping strategies can also participate in a virtual support session titled "Healthy Coping and Socializing After Loss," scheduled for Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. ET. Registration for this session can be completed at VITAS.com/Grief.

In an era where grief can often feel isolating, VITAS Healthcare stands as a beacon of hope with its Mother's Day Grief Helpline. The organization underscores the importance of community and connection during trying times, and invites anyone in need of support to take advantage of their services.

For additional information about VITAS’s hospice services and ongoing bereavement programs, interested individuals can visit VITAS.com/MothersDay to learn more. It’s a reminder that while grief is a deeply personal journey, it does not have to be faced alone.

About VITAS Healthcare: VITAS is the leading provider of end-of-life care in the U.S., having served communities for nearly five decades. Headquartered in Miramar, Florida, VITAS operates across 59 service areas in 15 states and the District of Columbia, caring for over 23,000 patients daily. VITAS’s commitment to compassionate service has earned recognition, including being named a 2025 Top Workplace in Healthcare. For more information, visit www.vitas.com.