Caring for someone with dementia brings not only physical and mental challenges but also emotional ones, including grief. As a caregiver, whether a family member, friend, or professional, you may experience feelings of sadness, loss, and even anger—not only when the person passes away but throughout the progression of the disease.
Grief often begins long before death, as dementia gradually changes the abilities, personality, and identity of the person you’re caring for. These changes can trigger emotions that feel like ongoing loss. It’s important to recognize and address these feelings, as they’re a natural response to the difficult circumstances of caregiving.
Grief can impact everyone involved:
• The person living with dementia may feel loss as their abilities change.
• Family members or friends who are caregivers may grieve as they watch their loved one slowly fade.
• Professional caregivers may also feel a sense of loss, especially when they’ve built close bonds with those in their care.
These emotions are part of the grieving process. Acknowledging your grief, rather than ignoring it, can help you manage the emotional burden of caregiving. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to talk to a friend, colleague, or supervisor. Sharing your feelings is an important step in taking care of your own emotional well-being.
Our CARES® Dementia 5-Step Method offers practical tools to help you navigate these emotional hurdles and provide compassionate, person-centered care.
Visit www.hcinteractive.com/5StepDemo for free access!