Loss and Grief Issues for Caregivers

1. Loss and Grief Issuesfor Caregivers CAREGIVING RELATIONSHIPS For People Who Care For Adults University of Illinois-Extension & University of Wisconsin-Extension

2. Job/Career Home Relationships Caregiver Losses CAREGIVING RELATIONSHIPS For People Who Care For Adults University of Illinois-Extension & University of Wisconsin-Extension

3. Ambiguous Loss • Loss not easily explained • Vague and uncertain issues • Physical presence with mental absence • Variety of causes • No rituals CAREGIVING RELATIONSHIPS For People Who Care For Adults University of Illinois-Extension & University of Wisconsin-Extension

4. Strategies • Acknowledge losses • Find time for others • Be realistic • Laugh • Forgive self • Forgive others CAREGIVING RELATIONSHIPS For People Who Care For Adults University of Illinois-Extension & University of Wisconsin-Extension

5. Caregiver Grief • Is an emotional response to loss • Begins anytime • Is different for each person • Is necessary CAREGIVING RELATIONSHIPS For People Who Care For Adults University of Illinois-Extension & University of Wisconsin-Extension

6. Types of Grief • Anticipatory • Incomplete • Disenfranchised • Stifled • Morbid • Normal CAREGIVING RELATIONSHIPS For People Who Care For Adults University of Illinois-Extension & University of Wisconsin-Extension

7. Behaviors & AttitudesCommon in Normal Grief • Shock, numbness, denial • Disorganization • Anger, frustration and rage • Helplessness and fear • Guilt and regret • Relief • Sadness, disbelief • Lower resistance to illness • Fatigue CAREGIVING RELATIONSHIPS For People Who Care For Adults University of Illinois-Extension & University of Wisconsin-Extension

8. Discussion • How do you acknowledge losses in your family? • How does your community give support when a loss occurs? A death? • Do men and women grieve differently? CAREGIVING RELATIONSHIPS For People Who Care For Adults University of Illinois-Extension & University of Wisconsin-Extension

9. Depression or Grief Response • Sadness • Tearfulness • Sleep Problems • Appetite Changes • Weight Changes CAREGIVING RELATIONSHIPS For People Who Care For Adults University of Illinois-Extension & University of Wisconsin-Extension

10. Grief or depression? • Grief • Moves toward recovery • Feels emotional pain and guilt related to the loss • Allows laughter • Accepts support • Depression • Stuck in sadness • Increasingly unable to function • Expresses helplessness, hopelessness, pessimism and emptiness • No longer enjoys favorite activities • May resist help and support CAREGIVING RELATIONSHIPS For People Who Care For Adults University of Illinois-Extension & University of Wisconsin-Extension

11. Strategies • Understand seriousness of the illness • Come to terms with death • Share the relationship meaning • Bring closure to difficult past • Say goodbye when appropriate • Seek solitude • Allow intense feelings • Maintain health and friendships • Gather memories • Journal • Accept social support CAREGIVING RELATIONSHIPS For People Who Care For Adults University of Illinois-Extension & University of Wisconsin-Extension

12. Benefits of Successful Grieving • Increased feelings of strength and security • Deeper self-understanding • Greater capacity to understand others • Enriched perspective of reality CAREGIVING RELATIONSHIPS For People Who Care For Adults University of Illinois-Extension & University of Wisconsin-Extension