1 Loss and Grief Issues for Caregivers C AREGIVING R ELATIONSHIPS For People Who Care For Adults University of Illinois-Extension & University of Wisconsin-Extension

2 Caregiver Losses Job/Career Home Relationships C AREGIVING R ELATIONSHIPS 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 C AREGIVING R ELATIONSHIPS 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 C AREGIVING R ELATIONSHIPS 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 C AREGIVING R ELATIONSHIPS For People Who Care For Adults University of Illinois-Extension & University of Wisconsin-Extension

6 Types of Grief Anticipatory Incomplete Disenfranchised Stifled Morbid Normal C AREGIVING R ELATIONSHIPS For People Who Care For Adults University of Illinois-Extension & University of Wisconsin-Extension

7 Behaviors & Attitudes Common 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 C AREGIVING R ELATIONSHIPS 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? C AREGIVING R ELATIONSHIPS 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 C AREGIVING R ELATIONSHIPS 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 C AREGIVING R ELATIONSHIPS 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 C AREGIVING R ELATIONSHIPS 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 C AREGIVING R ELATIONSHIPS For People Who Care For Adults University of Illinois-Extension & University of Wisconsin-Extension