Helping Seniors Cope with Loss

It’s inevitable that the older you get, the more likely you are to lose someone. And although this is something that everyone will go through, it is not always easy to cope with loss. If your senior loved one has recently lost a family member, a spouse, or adult child, you will want to help them cope. Firstly, it’s important to note that grief takes many forms, and it can take time for your senior to heal and cope with any loss, so you and senior home care mustn’t pressure your senior. There is no quick fix for this type of loss, but you can support, encourage, and be there for your senior loved one when they need you. Here are some other tips to remember for when your senior is ready to start the healing process and needs some tips to cope with this loss.

Prioritize Self Care

It can seem like a lot to prioritize self-care when a senior feels blue, but ensuring they are still taking care of themselves is crucial. If they are grieving, they may rely on senior home care more than usual to cook and bathe regularly. Even if they are grieving, it will be important to stick to their routine as best as possible. This will eventually help them get out of their blue mood and back on a regular schedule, helping them feel better when they know they still have a little control left.

Find a Support Group

No matter who you are or how old you become, you need to find a friend or support group to help you cope with loss. There is no way you can go through this alone, and a senior needs to recognize and understand that. However, right after a loss, it may feel like too much pressure to go and heal. This might take a senior time to go to, so it is important not to push them to go until they are ready to start talking to people. And keep in mind that if a senior has one person to talk to, that may be enough for them.

Continue to See a Doctor

A senior should be going to their doctor regularly, and although it is normal to go through a period of sadness after losing someone, it is not normal for it to continue for long periods of time. If your senior is depressed for a few months, it is time to talk openly to a doctor about depression and about why. A doctor may prescribe your loved one medication to help manage their moods.

Get Back Into Hobbies

If your senior has a favorite activity, senior home care can help your loved one get to the activity or help set it up for them. It’s important to encourage them to keep doing the things they love slowly. This can feel selfish after losing someone because it feels like enjoying life without the person they lost, but it’s important to find the joy in life when coping with a huge loss.

References
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/grief/coping-with-grief-and-loss.htm
https://www.centerforgrieftherapy.com/older-people-grieve-differently/

If you are considering senior home care in Summerlin, NV, for an aging loved one, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Summerlin. 702-800-4616.