Garden City SC Assisted Living Receives Grief Training

Finding the Missing Piece

Dealing with grief can be a very fearful event in our lives. The care staff at Agape Senior Assisted Living at Garden City received a brighter outlook on dealing with grief through a puzzle. Linda Jordan, ordained minister and grief counselor, utilized one puzzle to educated our staff on the several complex aspects of a person’s grief. With all staff huddled around the puzzle, each employee utilized their skills to put it together. The leaders instructed others to place matching colors together, the energetic members inspired each others to work faster, the bystanders watched from a distance and when the puzzle was complete the staff realized one thing; it contained a missing piece.

Linda Jordan asked staff how they felt when they realized one piece was missing. Answers such as, “upset, confused, disbelief and let-down” were all shared. “The puzzle represents a picture of what is supposed to be in our daily lives,” she said. “When the puzzle contains a missing piece you all reacted with negativity.” “The missing piece represents a loss of something resulting in grief.” She then asked the staff what are examples of missing pieces? Answers soared through the room: “loss of a loved one, loss of a pet, loss of mobility, loss of a job, loss of your house.” She then asked our staff, “How do you know your resident’s are grieving?” Again answers soared through the room, “isolation, quietness, physical aggression, weight loss.” Linda, with the assistance of staff, separated grief in 5 sections: emotional, behavioral, physical, cognitive and spiritual. While going through each example, staff shared moments on how they have helped resident’s overcome grief.

Some staff members shared stories about resident’s who have lost a loved one while living at our facility. “Losing a loved one is the toughest grief that anyone can experience,” Linda explained. Michelle Grant, Agape Senior staff member, shared with the group about the way she helped one of our resident’s get over the loss of the resident’s significant other. Michelle said, “you have to be patient, which is one of the 9 fruits of the spirit that Agape uses to promote our on-the-job experience.” Michelle explained how she listened to stories about weddings, vacations and grandchildren with the resident which resulted in many laughs and may tears. For that resident, “Michelle has helped that resident overcome grief,” Linda explained.

In closing, Linda shared her enormous gratitude for our staff. Not only is Linda a renowned speaker, grief counselor and minister; her mother is a resident here in Agape Senior Garden City. She left the staff knowing that every person has a way to deal with grief and now that we all know what to look for, we can change people’s lives.

Garden City / Murrells Inlet South Carolina Assisted Living

Assisted Living of Garden City provides senior-focused solutions. In working with seniors and their families, the dedicated staff strives to optimize quality of life by embracing individuality and preserving dignity. Surfside Beach, Murrells Inlet, Myrtle Beach, Pawley’s Island, Socastee, Bucksport, Burgess SC. – Call Agape Senior Garden City at

843-357-0200 or 800-411-2427