How To Cope With Caregiving Loss

Grief touches everyone differently, and for many caregivers, the pain of losing a loved one can feel overwhelming.

Certain times of the year, like special holidays or birthdays, present us with a challenge: taking care of those who are feeling sad because of the death of their loved one. They feel the pain more during these meaningful times. Although grieving is by its very nature a lonely task, it requires the help of other people.

Being Together

If it is not possible to be physically present, do it virtually through video calls, phone calls and emails, or send cards with words of love and affection. Plan to watch movies or have meals together even if you are in different places. For religious people, family prayers and virtual religious services can help.

It is important to understand that feelings such as sadness and anger are normal after the death of a loved one, and it is not necessary to add guilt to these feelings. Welcoming such feelings is an act of kindness and compassion.

Providing time and space for the person to grieve can be done by making yourself available to listen and offering to help with daily tasks that the person finds to be more difficult. Try shopping, doing the laundry or helping with cleaning. Using delivery services to send them their favorite food is also a loving gesture.

Meeting virtually to remember the person who died and sharing laughter and tears can help make a person’s life into a cherished memory.

Support Resources Available at Moffitt

Imerman Angels: One-to-One Support

Whether you’ve just received a cancer diagnosis or are a survivor, previvor, caregiver or friend of someone facing cancer, Imerman Angels can connect you with a Mentor Angel — someone who has gone through a similar experience and can offer understanding, encouragement and guidance through peer-to-peer support.

Spiritual Support

Chaplaincy care services are available at all Moffitt campuses. Nondenominational and interfaith in approach, chaplains serve patients, family members and caregivers of all backgrounds, helping them explore spiritual concerns and draw strength from their beliefs. For more information or to speak with a chaplain, please call 813-745-2856.

This story was written by Moffitt chaplain Roberto Miguel, PhD, for PARTNERS, Moffitt’s newsletter of the Patient and Family Advisory Program.