I lost my mother last week during the holiday season. I hoped and prayed that the day would never arrive, but in an instant, it was here. There is nothing that prepares you for a loss, even if you see it coming. Taking care of a senior parent during illness and elderly decline can be difficult to watch. Even though you are in the thick of things, you are on the sidelines, watching the gradual decline. Home health agencies like Brightstar Care can be extremely helpful during these times. They can provide physical support to you when you need it and allow you the time to be emotionally available to your loved one. But when the journey ends, take time to grieve. Feelings can be stronger than you anticipate. There is a process for grieving. Individuals may have different coping mechanisms, but the Cleveland Clinic states five steps of grieving: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.
Make sure to accept help and support. Friends and family can help you transition through this difficult time. This life change can impact you in various ways, especially during the holidays. For example, you may still set six dishes at the family table instead of five. Your childhood home may never seem the same again. You may have to attend to a living parent and make them a part of your routine. Memories may flood your thoughts. Lastly, as things change in your life, the outside world stays the same. Allow yourself time for clarity so you can merge your new world with your old one.