Dealing with Grief in a Pandemic

For far too many, the holidays and the months that follow will be spent grieving a loved one.  In normal times, the death of a loved one meant gathering family and friends together to support the bereaved and to honor the deceased; but now families have had to settle for much smaller funerals or put off funerals and memorial services altogether until sometime in the future.  Also being at home alone in a house that was once shared by someone who has passed away makes the grief that much stronger.  

Grief expert Robert Neimeyer, a psychologist and director of the Portland Institute for Loss and Transition in Portland, Oregon, explains that this can result in a “broken web of connection, which creates what we psychologists call unfinished business in bereavement.”  Moreover experts say COVID-19 has caused other types of grieving such as the loss of financial security, the loss of close contact with family and friends, and the loss of our sense of freedom to move about.   

The AARP reports that these types of grief are contributing to what psychologists call “complicated grief, one that's more difficult, intense, prolonged and disruptive than usual.”  This is why professionals stress the importance of people reaching out to make contact with those in the grieving process through phone or video calls.  If a family member seems to be struggling with accepting the death, it may help to have them set up a telehealth visit with a grief counselor or to join an online support group.  Other strategies that may help include anxiety-reducing exercises such as yoga or tai chi, meditation or relaxation techniques.  

At the MorningStar of Happy Valley assisted living and memory care community, we provide the support services and physical environment to enable older adults to live as comfortably and as safely as possible.  In addition to 24/7 Care Managers, licensed nurses, medication management by Certified Med Care Managers, and wellness activities, we routinely do Health & Wellness Evaluations and Care Plan reviews.  Please visit our website for more information regarding our beautiful home.     

MorningStar of Happy Valley represents the finest in senior living with our distinct mission statement: “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we are honored to create a true “home” for residents.  Contact us for more information on one of the area’s most trusted senior living communities. 

Source: aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2020/covid19-changes-grieving.html