Losing a parent is devastating for a son or daughter of the deceased. However, losing a partner, especially as an aging adult, can be truly agonizing. Feelings of loneliness, helplessness and grief can be all-consuming, which can be very challenging for a child supporting a parent to truly understand. If you are responsible for a parent's elderly care and are struggling with how to help them cope with a recent loss, use this helpful guide for tips on how to help them navigate this difficult time. 

How to Support a Widowed Parent

1. Plan Events They Can Look Forward to 

Planning a special outing or holiday is a great way to give a grieving loved one something to look forward to. It can be as simple as setting a date and time for a family movie or homemade pizza night. Holidays can be a joyous, special time, but they can also bring up a lot of emotions. If this is a parent's first holiday without a loved one, ask if there is anything they'd like to do to honor their partner. This gesture may help soothe vulnerable and raw emotions they are experiencing while infusing a sense of connection and belonging. 

2. Educate Yourself About Grief

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when comforting someone who is grieving is trying to force them to feel a different way than they do. Although everyone experiences grief in a different way, it's important to familiarize yourself with common grief reactions so you can be more compassionate and understanding for your parent. You can find grief resources for elderly care online or consult a grief therapist to get a better perspective. 

3. Balance Your Support

There is no timeline for grief and everyone's needs are different. It's important you parent feels that they have the space and time to process these intense emotions. However, isolation can be damaging to their mental and emotional wellbeing. Try introducing opportunities they may be inclined to participate in, like a bridge game, gardening group, or walking club. Many people feel hesitant to join grief groups, but it may be a wonderful opportunity to share their experience among likeminded adults. 

If you or a loved one need help with elderly care or Activities of Daily Living (ADL) which includes meal preparation, light housekeeping, toileting and bathing, trust the professionals at Deer Valley Home Health Services in St. Louis, MO. There’s also the option of arranging for private duty nurse visits, if you do not qualify for Medicaid. Call (314) 355-3679 to discuss your specific needs, or visit them online to learn more about their services.