What You Can Do To Help Your Senior Cope with Grief
The loss of a loved one or the loss of something cherished can cause a person to experience intense sorrow. After the death of a loved one, seniors often find it hard to manage, and they express their grief in a variety of ways.
While thinking of a way to help your senior cope with grief at home may seem hard, rest assured that it is possible to help them.
Understanding the Stages of Grief
Everyone experiences grief in different ways, but the following stages reveal how the human mind reacts to the loss of a person or thing in a predictable way:
Stage 1: Denial
This is a common defense mechanism, and it is described as an attempt to make the loss disappear. Most people do not cry or appear to be upset by the event at this stage.
Stage 2: Anger
The emotion one feels is “bottled up” during the denial stage. As a result, at this stage, there is an outburst of those emotions when the denial can no longer be sustained, and you may hear them ask questions like, “How can this happen to me?” or “Why would this happen?”
Stage 3: Bargaining
This stage includes the hope that the individual will be able to avoid causing grief. Often, a lengthened life is negotiated in exchange for a changed lifestyle.
Stage 4: Depression
During this stage, you will notice that your senior may become silent, refuse visitors, and spend much of the time mournful and sullen.
Stage 5: Acceptance
This is the last stage of grief where the individual embraces the tragic event. The state typically comes with a calm and stable emotional state.
Ways You Can Assist Your Senior Cope With Grief
Allow Them to Express Their Grief
Let your senior know that it is okay to mourn, therefore, do not offer to fix things or make things better. The best thing to do is be there and listen to them.
Communicate And Listen
Listen to what they have to say, let them tell stories and share memories and instead of giving them advice, you should provide them with emotional support.
Give Them Space And Comfort
Ensure to check on your senior enough to keep up with their safety and daily needs, but do not smother them when they are in this state of grief, because additional attention and pity may lead them to feel worse.
Consider the Companionship that Comes with Home Care Services
A critical aspect that is susceptible to changes caused by grief in the life of a senior is their physical health. A care professional provides assistance, support, and companionship to your senior by monitoring their diet and nutrition, motivating them to exercise and stay active, and helping them maintain a healthy sleep pattern.
Seek Professional Support
If you notice your senior’s grief continues and worsens over time, it is necessary to seek out help from a professional who can help counsel and treat them.
Conclusion
Implementing in-home care services for your senior who is experiencing grief is essential to help them cope. Also, know that it can take time to heal. Show your love to them during this difficult time in their life.
If your loved one is having trouble dealing with grief, consider home care. Home care assistance can help your senior with everyday tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and shopping while providing them with companionship.
CommuniCare Nurse Registry Provides Home Care Services in the Pembroke Pines and South Florida area. Call today for more information: (954) 362-7058
Sources:
www.wikipedia.org/wiki/five_stages_of_grief
https://www.healthline.com/health/stages-of-grief#bargaining
We are a local family owned and operated business, providing home care services throughout Broward County. Our foundation is based on a strong passion to serve others and our commitment to caring. We strive to ensure exceptional quality personalized home care services to those who are disabled, seniors who wish to age in place with dignity, and individuals with acute or chronic illnesses that desire to live comfortable and safe at home.
- How Home Care Helps Seniors Cope with Grief - November 28, 2022
- The Guide to Alzheimer’s Disease and Home Care Services - November 28, 2022
