When someone you care about is diagnosed with a progressive condition like dementia, it can take time to process what this means for both you and your loved one. Imagining what the future might bring can feel incredibly challenging.
Despite preparing yourself, when the person eventually passes away, it can come as a shock, and there are many confusing emotions people experience at this time. Some people feel that it is a release for the individual and are comforted by the fact they are no longer suffering; others wish they had one more day. However you may feel, both reactions are perfectly normal and understandable.
For many, grief can be especially challenging during the Christmas season. The holidays often bring memories of cherished times together, highlighting the absence of a loved one even more profoundly. Balancing celebrations with feelings of loss can feel overwhelming, and it’s important to allow yourself space for both reflection and healing during this emotional time.
At Oxford Aunts, we understand these complexities and can provide specialised bereavement support from our Specialist Service team, including Dr. Jane Pritchard, our very own Admiral Nurse.
Jane describes her approach to providing bereavement support:
“As an Admiral Nurse, I listen carefully and empathetically to how people are feeling, and remain alongside them at the most difficult of times. The support that I provide can help people to understand that their feelings are normal, and that it does not mean that they love the person any less. It can also encourage them to open up and discuss their thoughts and emotions, as not everyone is comfortable approaching friends, or family members.
Confiding in someone can bring a sense of relief for many people, and prevents loneliness. That is why receiving bereavement support can be beneficial for approaching difficult conversations and answering any questions that the individual has.
If you are currently going through a loss of a loved one, Dementia UK has helpful resources that can be found online.”
Bereavement support advice:
If a friend or loved one is currently experiencing bereavement, the charity CRUSE has shared some helpful tips on how to support them:
Be patient: people process their grief at different rates and in different ways, some individuals may feel angry, upset and tearful
Show your concern: let the person know that you are thinking of them
Be supportive: tell the person that you are there if they want to talk
Listen to their concerns: this will make them not feel like a burden
Check in: see how they are doing as this can vary from day-to-day
Offer help: this could involve supporting them with cooking and being there for funeral arrangements
Counselling services: this can be arranged via a GP, or from CRUSE. Dementia UK also has a free hotline where they can talk about grief with an Admiral Nurse
For more information about National Grief Awareness Week, you can find their campaign here.
