How to cope with grief and loss when a loved one has dementia
BY Angelo Makri
22nd Mar 2024 Health Conditions
4 min read
When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia and the condition progresses, people often experience emotions of grief and loss while the person is still alive. Here's why and how to manage these feelings
Grief
and loss are both very complicated and difficult emotions. When you are close
to a person with dementia you may feel these emotions at different times and in
different ways. For example, you may feel a sense of grief at the time of their
diagnosis, or a series of losses as their dementia progresses, explains Angelo Makri, Senior Knowledge Officer for Wellbeing at Alzheimer's Society.
"You may feel grief at the time of their diagnosis, or a series of losses as their dementia progresses"
When
someone feels a sense of loss even though the person with dementia is still
alive, this is known as "ambiguous loss" or "living grief". You may feel that
the person’s personality has changed so much that they do not seem to be the
same person, leading to a sense of grief that can be difficult to process.
Moments of loss
Small changes, as well as big ones, can result in feelings of loss for loved ones of those with dementia. Credit: Kampus Productions
These
can come in the small moments as well as the larger ones, for example if a mum
who was known for her epic Sunday roasts no longer knows how to use an oven. A dad who was a die-hard Liverpool FC fan—who knew every fact, figure, player, goal and score—now showing no care for
who or when Liverpool are playing next.
"With almost a million people living with dementia in the UK, countless loved ones are experiencing complicated emotions"
With
almost a million people living with dementia in the UK—there are at least a
million versions of this sad story, with countless loved ones experiencing
complicated, and sometimes confusing, emotions—helplessness, guilt, anger,
sadness, denial, frustration, even relief to name a few.
Feelings of loss when a person has dementia
You
and the person with dementia may both feel a sense of loss as their condition
progresses and your relationship changes. You may grieve for a short time as
you experience these changes, or the grief may be ongoing. Your feelings of
grief may also change and go back and forth over time.
As
dementia progresses, your relationship might shift from both of you supporting
each other, to one where you take on much more caring responsibility. The
person may become more dependent on support from you and others, which might be
very difficult for you both to adjust to.
Processing your feelings
Feelings
of loss and grief might make it harder for you to cope with caring. It’s
important to acknowledge any feelings you have and try not to feel guilty about
them. There is no right or wrong way to grieve or cope with loss.
When
you’re supporting a person with dementia, you may sometimes feel you’re coping
well, but then at other times feel overwhelmed by grief, or as though you have
no feelings left. Some people find they feel angry or resentful at how things
have turned out, things they have lost, and the difficulties they must face.
Some feel a sense of loss about their own life. You may feel guilty or shocked
if you are experiencing these emotions yourself. Try to remember that these
feelings are a natural and valid response to a difficult situation.
"Try to remember that difficult feelings are a natural and valid repsonse to a difficult situation "
Caring
for a person with dementia can have a huge emotional impact, and feelings like
these can be very difficult to cope with. It can be even harder if there are
people around you who don’t fully understand or accept the impact the person’s
dementia is having on you.
There
is no right or wrong way to manage your feelings, but we have included some
tips that may help you to manage your sense of grief and loss:
Tips to help manage your feelings
1. Find ways to express your feelings and how the situation is affecting you
Some
people find it helpful to write a journal or to do creative activities such as
art, music, or drama. Others may find that allowing themselves to cry helps
them to express their grief.
2. Consider your own needs
Try to make time to do something for yourself each day, such
as meeting or calling friends, watching a favourite television show, or taking
time to listen to music. Taking some time to relax even for a short time is
very important.
3. Look after your physical and mental health
Try to eat well, get as much rest as
you can and do some exercise. If you’re feeling low or anxious, or are very
tired or not sleeping, speak to your GP.
Make sure to make time for yourself as well as caring for a loved one with dementia. Credit: Matthias Zomer
4. Look after any spiritual needs you have
For example, if you regularly go to
religious services, try to continue doing so. If you’re not able to go to a
place of worship, watching online services, praying or singing at home can be
helpful.
5. Take a break
If you feel that you need a break to help you cope, you can speak to
a social worker or dementia support worker about arranging this. Friends or
family may also be able to step in to help.
6. Focus on the things that you and the person can still do together
There will be
lots of changes to adjust to as the person’s dementia progresses. But try to
also look for new opportunities to spend time with the person, as well as other
interests you have that you enjoy.
7. There is no one right way to experience or cope with a loved one’s dementia
Emotions experienced are likely to be different for everyone, but while almost
always difficult and challenging, it’s important to remember that you are not
alone.
Alzheimer’s
Society through its support services is there for people again and again,
offering help through some of the hardest and most frightening times.
Alzheimer's
Society also provides hope for the future by campaigning to make dementia a
priority and funding groundbreaking research to one day end the devastation
caused by dementia.
Alzheimer’s
Society is there for people again and again, through the hardest, most
frightening times. If you need support or information, visit alzheimers.org.uk
or phone the Dementia Support Line on 0333 150 3456
Banner photo: People with a loved one with dementia can experience feelings of loss and grief as the condition progresses. Credit: Andrea Piacquadio
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