Introducing Amari's Bereavement Care Program

Owen Reinhardt, Bereavement Coordinator, Amari Home Health & Hospice serving Sacramento, Placer, Yolo, El Dorado and Amador counties. 

At Amari Home Health and Hospice, we believe in providing comprehensive care that extends to our patients' families during their most difficult moments. As part of our commitment to this mission, we're excited to introduce Owen Reinhardt, our new Bereavement Coordinator, who is here to offer compassionate support to those navigating grief.

I had the opportunity to chat with Owen and discuss a wide range of topics related to healthcare and bereavement. Our conversation gave me a deeper understanding of his profession and the vital role he plays in supporting families through grief.

Could you start by telling us a little about your background and what led you to your current role?

I grew up in Redding, California, and after earning my bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Azusa Pacific University in Southern California, I made Sacramento my home about 12 years ago. My father is a family practice and hospice physician, and my wife is a pediatric advice nurse at Kaiser, so healthcare has always been a big part of my life. I completed my residency at UC Davis Medical Center, where I worked on the Palliative Care team. That experience sparked my passion for hospice work, which I’ve been involved in for the past 11 years. I’ve served as a Chaplain, providing spiritual and emotional support in various settings, including hospitals, grief groups, and even businesses. Now, I’m excited to focus on bereavement care here at Amari.

You’ve mentioned a range of experiences. Can you share a specific moment when you knew that bereavement care was your calling?

About ten years ago, I was part of a hospice grief program that worked with families and kids who had lost a parent, often to sudden tragedies like suicide. I found myself moving between rooms—doing art projects and hitting punching bags with kids, playing board games with teenagers, and sitting with parents as they processed their grief. These moments, especially hearing stories from families struggling to make sense of their pain, deeply affected me. I realized how much my empathy and compassion could help people in their most difficult times. That experience solidified my commitment to bereavement care.

How would you describe your role as a bereavement coordinator? What does it mean to you?

As a bereavement coordinator, I follow up with families after their loved one has passed. During hospice care, families get a lot of support from our amazing team of doctors, nurses, social workers, and chaplains. After the patient passes, the regular contact with that team naturally ends. That’s where I step in. About a week or two later, once the initial wave of friends and family support fades, I reach out. I’ll call to check in, send a condolence card, and offer resources like grief counseling, support groups, and community referrals. It’s about continuing the care beyond the patient’s life and supporting the families during their grief journey.

What do you think is the most important part of your job?

The most important thing I do is provide a non-judgmental and non-anxious presence. Grief is overwhelming, and people often just need someone to listen, to be there without any pressure or expectation. My role is to gently guide families through their grief and help them process their emotions in a way that feels natural to them.

What would you say is the hardest part of your job?

One of the toughest things is when families decline grief support even though they seem isolated or could benefit from it. I think a lot of people aren’t familiar with what grief counseling entails, or they don’t have the emotional energy to engage with it. It can be hard to watch when you know support could help, but it’s always their choice, and I respect that.

What do you do for self-care, or when you’re not at work?

Outside of work, my wife and I are busy raising our three daughters, ages 4 to 7, who definitely keep us on our toes! I love playing drums, taking walks along the American River, and playing pickleball with my wife. I’m also really into maintaining our lawn—it’s my personal sanctuary and playground. Music is another big part of my self-care. I listen to a lot of soothing, acoustic tracks to help me stay grounded.

Lastly, can you tell us about the growing Bereavement Program here at Amari?

Our Bereavement Program is designed to support hospice families for 13 months after their loved one passes. We stay in touch through phone calls, mailers, and in-person counseling—whether that’s in our office, their homes, or at a facility. Soon, we hope to offer grief support groups as well. I’m also available for pre-bereavement support, working alongside families and caregivers as they prepare for a loved one’s passing.

Thank you, Owen, for sharing your journey and the work you’re doing at Amari. We’re lucky to have you!

Talking with Owen gave me a profound insight into the significance of bereavement care. I gained a new appreciation for how vital this support is for families navigating the emotional aftermath of loss. Owen's dedication and expertise highlighted how compassionate guidance during grief can make a lasting difference in helping individuals find healing.

For more information on Home Health and Hospice care and navigating grief, Click Here or call 916-993-9679 to speak to a compassionate care team member today.

Amari Home Health and Hospice, serving Greater Sacramento, El Dorado, Yolo, Placer, and Amador Counties.