Mary Jo lost her partner of 47 years about 6 months ago. She was Jim’s primary caregiver over the course of his cancer treatment that lasted 2 years. For the last month of his life, Jim and Mary Jo were able to receive assistance from hospice services, for which Mary Jo was extremely grateful because this allowed her to keep Jim at home, which is where he wanted to spend his last days of life. Since Jim’s death, Mary Jo has spent most of her time alone in the big house they shared. Friends have called wanting her to go out with them, but she always has an excuse (usually, she is too tired, has too much to do, or not feeling that well). Mary Jo and Jim had no children. Mary Jo has no known health problems and is retired from a career at the post office. She belongs to a church, but has not attended since the funeral. Her former hobbies included knitting, baking for friends and family (siblings and nieces and nephews), and shopping.

1.Discuss how the grieving process might be impacting Mary Jo’s life. Have you any concerns?

2.Discuss how hospice may or may not be able to help Mary Jo at this time. How do you think hospice helped prior to Jim’s death?

3.If you were asked to go and visit with Mary Jo as a healthcare professional, what would you expect and what are some of the ways you might be helpful to Mary Jo?