Five Ways to Deal Gracefully with the End of Your Senior’s Life


Many caregivers fear that they’re going to fall apart when the end of their senior’s life comes closer. This is a really difficult time and there are no guarantees that you won’t actually feel as if you’re falling apart. There are ways for you to handle the entire situation with far more grace, however.
Feel Your Feelings
There’s no way to simply not feel certain emotions. When you’re facing some of those darker emotions that can come with grief, acknowledge them and find a healthy way to express them. If you don’t, those emotions are only going to keep popping up and they’ll be more insistent each time.
Talk Openly with Other Family Members
Other family members may be feeling some of the same emotions and it’s difficult to handle them when you think you’re on your own. Talk with other family members about how you’re feeling and ask them to do the same. You might just find that there’s a lot more support you can share with each other.
Take Advantage of the Time You Have
The time that you and your senior have left might be quite limited. Taking advantage of the time that you have with each other is crucial right now. Spend time with your elderly family member and do as much as you’re able with each other, even if that’s just quietly sitting together and passing time.
Make Sure You Have a Support System
It’s an absolute fact that you need to have some emotional and literal support at this time as your senior’s caregiver. End-of-life care providers can help you to manage some of the tasks that need doing now. Your senior may need more complicated care, such as being lifted into bed, and that’s not easy to do on your own. Establishing an emotional support system keeps you going when things get too difficult.
Give Yourself Permission to Recover
Every now and then you’re going to need a few moments to yourself. As much as you’d like to spend every moment with your aging adult, it’s important to give yourself that breathing room when you find you need it. Don’t feel bad about taking a few minutes to cry, to pray, or to do whatever else it is that gives you strength right now.
Everyone grieves differently and it helps to remind yourself that it’s okay to feel upset about the end of your senior’s life. Trying to make yourself act one way when you feel another is only going to inspire guilt, which you don’t need at this painful time.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering end-of-life care in Easton, PA, please contact the caring staff at Serenity Hospice today. Call (215) 867-5405.