An Intro to Dealing with the Loss of a Loved One or Close Friend

 

 

An Intro to Dealing with the Loss of a Loved One or Close Friend

Loss comes in many forms. As we age, losses in our lives become greater and greater, from loss of youth, to loss of independence, to loss of mental and physical capacities.

Aside from these kinds of loss, we also have to think of another kind of loss, which affects more than just our own lives ”and that is the loss of close and dear friend or loved one.

This can often be the most difficult thing an aging person has deal with. Not only is it a painful experience to lose a trusted partner or friend, it also serves as a reminder to your loved ones of their own mortality, which can already be a big concern for them.

Throughout this series, we’re going to focus on dealing with the loss of a loved one or close friend, from how to help your aging loved one cope with the loss, to how they can help themselves.

For today, we’re going to start with a few key points that you should consider when helping an aging loved one dealing with loss. Take a look below:

Loss doesn’t necessarily mean death

While death is certainly the most painful way to lose a loved one or close friend, it is not the only way your parent can experience loss.

It probably goes without saying that as your parent ages, so do their close friends. And, as their friends age, they may also experience the loss of independence, leading them to move to a senior care facility or to the home of their own children–possibly out of state or far away from where they once lived.

Though not as extreme as death, this kind of change can certainly cause your loved one a lot of grief. Not only will they not be able to see their friends as often as before, but it also reminds them of the possibility that they may be in the same situation as their friend, so please be aware of this kind of loss as well.

Loss can come in waves

As we age, the risk of loss is not only greater–it may also come in waves. In some instances, your parent may find themselves at multiple funerals only a few months, possibly weeks apart from one another and then have a long gap in between. Such sudden and erratic changes can be quite overwhelming for your loved one and may result in elderly depression. As such, it is important to make sure that your loved one is adequately taken care in such time of need.

Understanding the basics of loss for your aging parents is essential to knowing how to help them through the process.

On Wednesday, we’re going to discuss ways you can help your aging loved one cope with loss. In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to give us a call. We are always here to help.

Physicians’ Choice Private Duty Assisted Living “currently serving Omaha, Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa “provides seniors and their families a complete understanding of geriatric care options and helps families maneuver through the challenges of the system. Get your free Cost Comparison guide by clicking here. Or contact us for a free consultation or just to say hello!

photo credit: Neil. Moralee via photopin cc

“Physicians’ Choice Private Duty Assisted Living solves the challenges families face in caring for aging parents, with a focus on strategies that keep them in their homes. To learn more about our solutions, visit http://www.private-duty.pchhc.com.”