5 Tips to Help Seniors Deal with Losing a Loved One

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5 Tips to Help Seniors Deal with Losing a Loved One

Helping someone through the grieving process is never easy. You may feel as if you don't know what to say or do, but you can take action and help them make difficult decisions. If you know a senior person who lost a loved one, consider these things you can do to help, presented by Grief Relief Ministries.

 article by  Sarah Bailey 

1. Help Them Downsize

For seniors, losing a partner and taking on the burden of a large home alone can be too much. You can help them alleviate some of that burden by encouraging them to downsize to a smaller home. You can take on the project of connecting with local movers in the area and collecting quotes. Be sure to vet each company by reading reviews online, and avoid companies that don't offer to come to the property and walk through to evaluate your needs. If you're concerned about cost, look for companies that offer deals.

Additionally, you can help them prepare to sell the home. Start by gathering and organizing all the necessary documents, such as the sale agreement, deed, title report, and mortgage information. With everything in one place, you can speed up the sale process and help the realtor better understand their financial position.

2. Focus on Physical Health

Research shows that it is common for people to suffer deteriorating physical health during the grieving process. You can help avoid this by keeping them active. Take them out for walks during nice weather, or help them find local senior walking groups. Help them cook healthy meals and go shopping for their groceries as well. 

3. Encourage Them To Make Changes

Sometimes living alone can be a burden for seniors after losing someone close to them. Talk to them about the benefits of assisted living or moving to a nursing home. They may be against it originally, but they will see the advantages of removing certain responsibilities. It will increase the quality of their lives and give them an opportunity to meet new people, many of whom are in similar situations. Before choosing a facility, take the time to find the right one. Read reviews from other families and compare pricing information. Ask for detailed facility reports and look into payment options as well.

4. Take Them on a Trip

Sometimes getting away is a great way to deal with grief and stress. Talk to them about the possibility of going on a trip. Where have they always wanted to go but never did? If you're concerned about cost, look for websites that offer discounted travel, or use your credit card points for flights and hotel stays. 

5. Teach Them Self-Care Tactics

You cannot always be there during tough times, but you can teach them ways to practice self-care. For example, breathing techniques are a great way to start the day. Even learning to acknowledge when they could use the help of a mental health professional is self-care. Talk to them about things they can do, such as journaling, to work through emotions and better understand their grief.

Downsizing, hiring movers, and selling their homes are all part of a significant change that often comes with life for seniors after losing a spouse or loved one. The best thing you can do for them is to be there for support. Feeling surrounded by love and care aids the grieving process.