Helping Your Senior Parent Through Grief

As a family caregiver, one of the hardest things that you will have to do is help your mom or dad grieve. Whether they are grieving the loss of a partner, a friend, a sibling, or just grieving for missed opportunities, it’s tough to watch your mom or dad be sad and not be able to help them.

Your mom or dad may be reluctant to share their feelings and their grief with you. Especially if they are grieving the loss of your other parent, they may keep their pain to themselves so that they don’t burden you. Make sure that you let your mom or dad know that they can share feelings with you and that they won’t be adding to your grief. And let them know that you will support them no matter what they are feeling.

If your mom or dad won’t talk to you, they may talk to a companion. Companion care at home is a great type of home care for seniors that is designed to help seniors with their emotional health. Companion care at home provides seniors with a trusted friend and confidante with whom they can talk, play games, share meals, and share their feelings.

Companion care at home services give your mom or dad a chance to talk to someone they trust who isn’t you, so they don’t feel like they are making your life harder by relying on you for emotional support.

In addition to getting companion care at home for your mom or dad, some other things you can do to help them process their grief are:

 

Be Present and Listen

Sometimes the most important thing you can do is simply be there. Your presence provides comfort and reassurance, reminding your parent that they’re not alone. Even if your mom or dad doesn’t want to talk, they may welcome your company.

Encourage them to share their feelings, memories, and thoughts about the person they’ve lost. Be patient and avoid rushing them to “move on.” Listening without judgment or interruption allows them to process their emotions at their own pace.

 

Encourage Healthy Routines

Grief can disrupt daily routines, causing seniors to neglect their physical and emotional health. Encourage your parent to maintain regular meals, stay hydrated, and get enough rest.

Light activities can also boost their mood and energy. Help them find activities they enjoy, such as gardening, knitting, or reading, to provide a sense of normalcy and purpose.

 

Offer Practical Help

During the grieving process, everyday tasks can feel overwhelming. If you can, help them with practical matters like grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning, or managing bills. If you can’t help with household chores and tasks, get companion care at home services so your mom or dad will have the help they need.

If they’re struggling with organizing the belongings of the loved one who passed away, let them take the lead and only help when they’re ready. This practical support can ease their burden and show that you care in a tangible way.

 

Be Patient with Their Journey

Grieving is a deeply personal process that doesn’t follow a set timeline. Understand that your parent may experience a range of emotions, including sadness, anger, guilt, or even moments of happiness.

Avoid pressuring them to “get over it” or comparing their grief to your own. Let them know it’s okay to feel however they do and that you’ll be there for them, no matter how long it takes.

 

 

 

If you or an aging loved one is considering Companion Care at Home in Alexandria, VA, please contact the caring staff at Thrive Health Care Services today. (703) 992-0484