Preparing for and Dealing with the Loss of a Loved One
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Nobody wants to think about the possibility of losing a loved one but, as our family members get older, it’s something we do need to plan for. There’s no way to eliminate the grief and stress of this time, but you can smooth things over for everyone involved and make it easier to cope.
Here are a few ways you can prepare to lose someone you love.
Honest Conversations
Sometimes you know that someone you love likely won’t live much longer. Perhaps their health has recently deteriorated. If possible, you should try to talk about what they want. Many people have started preparing for this themselves, and all you have to do is help.
Think about end of life care, as well as wills and inheritance. If they don’t have a will, get a lawyer to help them write one out.
This is something everyone should think about to an extent, because we don’t know what tomorrow will bring.
As well as honest conversations with your loved one, think about others who love them. If you have children or younger relatives, it can be helpful to prepare them as well. Depending on their age, they might be able to understand that their older loved one is unwell.
Making Memories
Of course, this time of your life shouldn’t all be serious conversations and pre-emptive mourning. It can also be a time to appreciate your loved one all the more.
Arrange things that they will enjoy, depending on their health. If they are still able to get around, a cruise might be a lifetime experience for them and your family to enjoy together. But you can also arrange smaller things, like a picnic or a movie night.
This way, you make plenty of memories and you make sure your loved one feels loved and happy. The most important thing you can do is spend time with them.
The Funeral and Aftermath
In some cases, it might be appropriate to think about the funeral before they have passed away. This is why it’s good to have the conversations mentioned earlier. Some people are more opinionated than others, and may wish for specific services or burial arrangements.
The most important thing to consider is the dignity of your loved one. Funeral directors can meet with you before or after they have passed away and give you different options depending on your budget and their wishes.
Most funerals are open to the public, but it’s nice to arrange a more private memorial service as well. Some people even have a party as a way to celebrate the life of the person they loved.
Dealing With Grief
Some people struggle with the funeral proceedings, while others can keep busy and seemingly hold it together. But in both cases, you battle with grief.
Let yourself feel grief and give yourself time to mourn and deal with all the complicated feelings that come with it. Whether you feel guilty, angry, or are struggling with any kind of emotion, things will be hard for a while. But once you’ve processed it, you can focus on the good memories.
Photo by Jeena Paradies on Unsplash