Grieving for lost parent

Jill took her parents into her home in February. Her mother passed away about 10 days ago, and though they had hospice and she felt the death happened in the best way it could have, she is obviously still grieving the loss. Her father continues to live with her and has some health problems for which she could use some resources. She has a very supportive family.

Grief can stay with us a long time.  It can take many forms.  When someone has passed away, families think they should be over it in a few days or a week.  Usually we don't "get over it", but instead learn to live with the loss.  The loss will always be there, but the pain may lessen.  Beyond the usual hard times, anniversaries, holidays, there can be sudden moments of pain.  The most important thing to do then is to acknowledge the loss and take a few minutes, or an afternoon or evening to support yourself.  Be kind to yourself, and do something that makes you feel good or something that you think your mother would be happy to see you doing.  If the grief prevents you from working then seek professional help in the form of a counsellor, social worker,  or psychologist.  Also Hospice of Larimer County has excellent support groups.

Kirsten Hartman, Geriatric Care Manager
Seniors in Transition, LLC

As a family caregiver to both parents my experience changed radically when mother died and father needed full time attention around the clock.

I found the Pathways Program with Hospice of Larimer County to be helpful and healing in dealing with grief and a sense of loss. It took several years nevertheless, due to being consumed with the duties and with the responsibilities in caring for my father. 

I have been told that there is no measure of time for loss and sorrow.  When I completed the Art and Therapy class with Hospice's Pathways, I knew that I had reached deep into a lifetime of many varieties and levels of sorrow through loss; the first had occurred when I was just a toddler!  Who would have ever guessed it?  Reaching so deep through the processes of "artistic creation" was a gentle and rewarding personal healing.  

At a time when I felt I had nowhere to turn for support, the Pathways Program  had some profoundly beneficial answers.