Grief is tough for anyone to handle alone, and when a senior is dealing with the loss of a loved one that they may have spent most of their lives with, it can make the tremendous loss even more difficult.
For seniors at home, the days and weeks after the loss of a loved one can be especially hard as they navigate their daily life and tasks and figure out what their new normal is. If they are now alone in their home for the first time, this can be a huge adjustment for them.
There are ways that family members and caregivers can help to ease the grief of a senior who has experienced the loss of a spouse or loved one.
Hire a home care aide. If they aren’t already receiving home care, consider hiring a professional company to send compassionate caregivers to assist your senior with daily needs and offer companionship during their lonely times.
If your senior parent doesn’t need full-time care, you have the option of having someone come out to their home during certain times at hours that you can choose. If you notice that your senior loved one is struggling with their grief or loneliness during a certain period of time or certain hours of each day, you could consider having a caregiver come out to be with them during that time.
Listen to them. Often, people who have experienced the devastating loss of a spouse or loved one just want to talk about it. Sometimes, if they may have experienced a traumatic event with regards to the loss, they may feel the need to relive the moments. It can be hard to see a parent or loved one grieving, but being there to listen to them share their memories or talk about their deceased loved one can be good in allowing them to express their grief.
On the contrary, some seniors may not want to talk about it right away. It is important not to push them, and to be there, willing to listen whenever they may become ready. If you have hired home care for your loved one, they will be a great support for your parent if they are wanting someone to talk to in their home.
Create a memorial. For some people who have suffered a great loss, memorializing their loved one can help them in their grieving process. If they seem to want to look at pictures often, or are spending time with objects that meant a lot to their loved one, consider asking them if they wish to create a place in their home using sentimental photos or objects to honor their spouse or loved one.
Seek support. It is important to remember that everyone grieves in their own way. If you or the home care professionals are noticing that your loved one is struggling to get past the immense grief that often follows the loss of a spouse, or they are having more difficult days than good ones, check in with their health care professional about seeking counseling support and having them screened for depression.
When you are in need of care for a senior loved one, consider home care provided by Golden Heart Senior Care. We have offices nationwide. For more information, call us today at (800) 601-2792.
The post Ways to Help a Grieving Senior appeared first on Golden Heart Senior Care.
from Golden Heart Senior Care https://ift.tt/2nmnmoI
via IFTTT
Comments
Post a Comment