Losing a loved one is difficult at any stage of life, yet seniors are often hit hardest by feelings of grief. During the senior years, older adults often lose several loved ones in a short time, and they may already be experiencing feelings of depression or isolation that intensify their emotional responses. Although watching an aging parent go through the grieving process can be painful, there are many ways to help him or her overcome the feelings of loss.
Recognize & Respect the Normal Grieving Process
Grief is an entirely natural process that often occurs in a series of well-defined stages. People can move through this process at differing rates, but they do need the freedom to experience the appropriate emotions as they arise. Rather than trying to cheer up your loved one, consider offering a sympathetic ear or a shoulder to cry on. Grief only becomes problematic when people fail to progress to a state of acceptance and are unable to move on with their lives.
A compassionate home caregiver can be a strong source of emotional support for your grieving loved one. For families living in Edmonton, 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 Home Care Assistance, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
Take a Walk Down Memory Lane
Listening is one of the most effective ways to help anyone who is experiencing grief. Encourage your loved one to share memories about the person he or she has lost. When doing so, remember not to pressure your loved one if he or she isn’t ready to talk through the grief, and always focus on the positive memories of the cherished friend or family member who has passed away. Creating a memory box or scrapbook can also provide a tangible way for your loved one to address grief.
Make Sure Your Parent’s Physical Needs Are Met
Loss of appetite, fatigue, and a lack of motivation to exercise are common symptoms that accompany grief. Yet it’s important for seniors to keep up their physical health so they have the strength to work through their emotions. When you visit with or talk to your loved one, make sure he or she is eating nutritious meals and staying on track with his or her exercise and medication schedules. If necessary, arrange for a professional caregiver to assist with meal preparation and medication reminders while your loved one moves through the grieving process.
If your senior loved one needs help managing an illness or assistance with daily tasks, make sure you choose a top-rated provider of elder care. Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life in the golden years. From the mentally stimulating activities in our Cognitive Therapeutics Method to our friendly Care Managers who are available to answer your questions 24 hours a day, we offer a wide array of high-quality at-home care services.
Surround Your Parent with Support
After losing loved ones, seniors often worry about becoming isolated from their family and friends. This is especially true for older adults who have lost spouses or close friends. Make sure to help your loved one find ways to fill in the gaps that have been left after the loss. For example, plan to share a meal together once a week if your parent used to have a regular lunch date with his or her friend. Additionally, phone calls and regular visits to your loved one’s home can go a long way toward helping him or her overcome grief and regain a positive outlook on life.
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 home care service, Edmonton Home Care Assistance 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 learn about our high-quality in-home care services, give us a call at (780) 490-7337 today.