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Losing a loved one can make winter feel especially lonely. If your aging parent has lost a spouse or sibling, they may isolate themselves from friends and abandon their favorite activities. It’s important to recognize when grief support is needed. Helping them receive assistance and begin enjoying their hobbies again can have profound impacts on their well-being. Here’s what you should know. 

How to Handle Loss During Winter

1. Write

Did your aging parent share hobbies with the deceased? Encourage them to preserve their memory by journaling. Have them start by writing about their favorite memories. Encourage them to include physical details, how they felt in the moment, and what mattered most. It could be a vacation, birthday party, or regular day together. Writing is an outlet for their emotions and will help them focus on what was most important about the relationship.

2. Get Outside

grief supportSpending time outdoors has always been a popular way to clear your head—even in the dead of winter. Encourage your aging parent to bundle up and go for a long walk when they’re feeling down. Join them if you can. They can visit a favorite spot in nature they shared with the deceased or head out on a flatland hike.

3. Volunteer

Helping others can be highly effective for personal grief support. Encourage your aging parent to support the deceased’s favorite charity and volunteer at a place of worship or non-profit. They can visit patients in hospitals or hospices or connect at community centers. They’ll make new friends and help continue the deceased’s legacy.

4. Seek Grief Support

When emotions become overwhelming, recommend a grief support group. Everyone involved will share similar feelings, which can help your loved one manage their emotions. The leaders and other group members will provide valuable advice while others will be there for them in person or over the phone when they need a hand.

 

If you’re exploring grief support services for a loved one in Western New York, turn to Lifetime Care. Serving Monroe, Wayne, Livingston, Ontario, Yates, Seneca, Cayuga, and Schuyler counties, this home health care provider offers a wide scope of short- and long-term services. Their skilled team helps with acute rehabilitation, hospice care, companion services, and general home aide assistance. They carefully pair health care professionals with clients and will ensure all your needs are met. Call (585) 214-1000 to speak with a team member, and visit their website to explore their services. Connect on Facebook for news and updates.

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