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Freya 13th Mar 2019 Activities Therapist
Does anyone have any ideas on how to help a resident living in an LTC facility cope with the loss of a child. In all the years in the field, I've never had a resident lose a child before. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Susan 13th Mar 2019 Activity Director
This article on: Golden Carers might be helpful
https://www.goldencarers.com/20-ways-to-honor-loss-in-your-community/5611/
Perhaps your city has support groups that your resident can go to to help her express her grief
The worst thing she can do is bottle the grief up
She will be sad for a while but if she expresses her grief completely she should be better in six months to a year
However it is different for everyone
The social worker should be able to help you with this because it is their area of expertise
Another helpful resource is a hospice group
Also a local church will be helpful especially if there's one she belonged to
I hope this helps
Vicki 18th Mar 2023 Recreation Therapist
Don't be afraid to talk about the person who has passed away. We often shy away from bringing up the person who died for fear of upsetting the loved ones. They are already thinking of the person, talking not only helps the people still here work through their grief but it also feels nice to reflect on someone we have lost and the wonderful parts of their life. And remember, their grief will never "go away" their life will only slowly grow around the grief. Encourage the person to reminisce and share and also support them in fun activities. Spending time actively focused on our grief and time enjoying life helps balance this process for the person how has lost their loved one.
Most importantly listen and let them share.
Susan 19th Mar 2023 Activity Director
Hi Vicki
Thank you for your helpful input

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