It is difficult to comfort family members and friends when a loved one dies, especially if the bereaved has dementia. When the loss takes a toll, it is pretty challenging to decide when and how to break the news to someone with dementia. Providers of direct cremation services in Yukon, OK, have compiled the following tips to assist in comforting a person living with dementia following a loss.
Practice Empathy
Everyone with dementia has a different experience with the condition. It would help to consider a person’s personality, mental and physical health, and circumstances before assisting them to cope with the grief. For this reason, you should behave empathetically.
Caregiving for a dementia person can be anxious, but they need your love, compassion, and willingness to put yourself in their shoes. Never stress about using the correct words. Your compassionate presence and encouragement are more valuable than any words you may utter.
Include Them in the Funeral Procession
Include the person with dementia in significant occasions, such as a funeral or memorial ceremony. You can even include them in the funeral preparations if it seems appropriate. Inform them of the choices that you have already made. Encourage them to share any memories they may have regarding the deceased.
There are alternative methods to help the dementia person comprehend that a loved one has passed away and cope with their sadness if they cannot attend funeral festivities. For instance, you may arrange a private screening in quick service in a location where the dementia person can access it.
You may also accompany them to the cemetery, columbarium, or another location where the loved one will be buried. The more you involve them, the more probable they may recall a loved one’s passing and be able to express emotions over it.
Pay Attention to Their Feelings
The person living with dementia can behave like the deceased person is still living since the condition impairs long-term memory. When this happens, try to identify any possible feelings they may be experiencing and kindly identify them. They will sense your understanding and concern for them when you demonstrate this kind of empathy.
Include Practical Tools
You can do a few things to assist a loved one with dementia navigate their grief. For example, you may consider displaying items that belonged to the deceased. Let the dementia person handle these products. Leave them the items if you think they feel good about them. You can always take these items away if they don’t like them.
Understand Their Grieving Process
The normal grieving process is often not possible for someone with dementia. They may not always recall someone’s passing, but there are situations when they may do so precisely. As a caregiver or guardian, let the person with dementia discuss the loss and share recollections whenever they have a short lucidity period.
It’s excellent and beneficial for them to express what they think and feel, even if you can’t see it. They can delay responding or suddenly lose control of their emotions. Try not to lose your temper if this occurs. Pay attention to them and respect how they feel since these outbursts can be the only way they can express what’s on the inside.
You need to give your loved one with dementia your undivided attention and assurance after losing someone close. Consider assisting them by using these actions to take them through the grief stages. Contact us if you need direct cremation services in Yukon, OK.
