As people age, they have to contend with the passing of close friends, siblings, and spouses. Working through the resulting grief can be challenging, especially given seniors are forced to confront their own mortality in the process. If your elderly loved one is in mourning, here are some ways you can offer the consolation and support he or she needs during this time.
Celebrating the Life & Accomplishments of the Deceased
Memorials and funerals are typically held when grief is fresh and those closest to the departed are still in a deep state of shock. Although one of the primary purposes of holding a memorial is to honor the deceased, these occasions tend to be somber and even depressing. Moreover, the pain of a recent death can last far beyond the actual occurrence of these affairs. If your loved one is still grieving several weeks or months after a funeral, consider hosting a lighthearted family dinner so everyone can come together and discuss the life and accomplishments of the departed in a positive way.
A compassionate home caregiver can be a strong source of emotional support for your grieving loved one. For families living in Annapolis, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
Acknowledging Your Loved One’s Need to Grieve
It isn’t possible to pull someone out of the grieving process before that person is actually ready to move on. People have to mourn in their own way and at their own pace. Honor and acknowledge your loved one’s need to grieve by offering a shoulder to cry on and lending a sympathetic ear when necessary. Much like death, grieving is a normal part of life, and people should be given ample space and time to express their emotions and adapt to this major change. Talking about time spent with the departed or telling stories about past events can help your loved one work through his or her sorrow.
Understanding the Grieving Process
Grief is a highly personal experience, and although many people can quickly adjust to the death of a close friend or family member at a textbook pace, others have a harder time getting over their sorrow. Make sure you continue to check in with your loved one even after several weeks have passed, especially if he or she is living alone. Keep in mind that after a spouse has passed away, an older adult may need to consider new living arrangements or seek companionship care from a home care agency.
Though you may be researching multiple agencies that provide home care Annapolis, Assisting Hands has much to offer your family and your elderly loved one. We are leaders in the senior home care industry, offering hourly and around-the-clock assistance from reliable, experienced caregivers. Trust Assisting Hands Home Care to help your loved one enjoy a happier and healthier life in the golden years.
Preventing Isolation
Adjusting to life without a spouse or close friend can be difficult. Grieving seniors are at high risk for experiencing social and mental health problems like severe depression, anxiety, and isolation. Make sure your loved one is never spending too much time alone.
Grief can have a significant impact on your loved one’s emotional and physical wellbeing, and a professional caregiver can address both of these concerns. If you’re the primary caregiver for a senior family member and are looking for professional senior home care Annapolis, Assisting Hands Home Care should be your top choice. Our dedicated and compassionate caregivers are committed to helping older adults manage their health and enjoy a higher quality of life in the golden years. To create a comprehensive in-home care plan for your loved one, call us today.
