Part of the pain that comes when you’re at the end of your caregiving journey is that your elderly family member is nearing the end of her life. That impending loss can be difficult to manage and you might find yourself trying to avoid it.
Don’t Suppress How You’re Feeling.
Feelings don’t just go away. You have to work through them in order to put them behind you or to learn from them. The same is true with loss. The fastest way through loss and grief is to face them head-on. It hurts and it isn’t fun, but you can’t suppress those feelings and expect them to get better. If it helps, try writing out how you’re feeling so that you can get to the roots of those emotions.
Lean on Support from End-of-life Care Providers.
End-of-life care providers are there to help with the practical aspects of your senior’s final months and weeks, but they’re also there to help you. They can help you to find bereavement counseling that works for you and they can give you the respite coverage you need to take advantage of those services. Lean on that support so that you have what you need when you need it.
Stay Active in Your Family Member’s Remaining Days.
It’s also tempting when you know that the end is near to withdraw a bit from your family member. That might be something that you regret later. Yes, you need to take time for yourself, but it’s also important to be present in those moments in which you’re with your family member. Those are moments you’ll treasure later after she’s gone.
Remember the Good Times and the Good Things in Life.
During this time it’s normal to focus more on the sad things happening and the bad news you might be getting. That’s important information because it’s part of what’s going on, but you can also shift your primary focus to the good times that you have had with your senior and the good things that are going on in your life and the lives of those you love.
Losing someone that you love is never easy. It’s really important that you and other family members do what you can to take care of yourselves and of each other. Lean on the support systems that you’ve built and let people help you when you need that extra assistance.
If you or your aging loved one could benefit from End of Life Care in North, SC, contact the caring staff at Grove Park Hospice, (803) 536-6644
- Three Keys to Help Prepare an Aging Senior for Home Care Support - October 9, 2020
- Five Reasons Your Senior Experiences Discomfort Near the End of Her Life - September 23, 2020
- Thank You Hospice Team! - September 17, 2020
