Grief and support
What is anticipatory grief?
Short answer
Grief that begins before the death — when someone is terminally ill. It is real and valid. It does not mean you will grieve less after the death. Hospice programs often include counseling for families during this period.
What this usually means
Grief that begins before the death — when someone is terminally ill. It is real and valid. It does not mean you will grieve less after the death. Hospice programs often include counseling for families during this period.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county help for coroner contacts, vital records, cost tools, and paperwork.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.