The pain and grief of losing a spouse are not easy to handle, especially for senior adults. After loving each other and living together for years, seniors may take the demise of a spouse harder than anyone. If you have lost one parent over the past year, it's important to spend more time with the surviving parent and help them through the grief, as it's something they might take time to overcome.
However, the first holiday season without a loved one can be very emotional and hard on the family. Here are a few tips on how you can spend and enjoy the first holiday with one surviving parent.
Acknowledge and Understand Present Emotions
There are no specific timelines on how long one should grieve over the death of a loved one. For some, it takes a few weeks or months, whereas it may take years for others. So, when planning your next holiday after losing one parent, you should understand it is okay for feelings of emotions and grief to arise. That's because it's the first time you'll be celebrating a holiday without a person who has been a key member of the family and whom you've been spending holidays with over the years. You should make the surviving parent understand it's okay to feel sad, and they should be free to express their emotions.
Commemorate the Deceased Loved One
One way of grieving and healing is coming up with ways that ensure a lost loved one remains part of your life. You can achieve that by remembering and celebrating them. During your holiday with the surviving parent, you can decide to do things that bring memories about the deceased one. For instance, you can prepare their favorite meals or play songs they used to love. You can also remember them by visiting their graves, placing flowers, and making wishes.
Check if They're Okay Living Alone
As you spend the holiday with the surviving parent, you should also observe them and ask how they are doing. Find out whether they are okay living alone and encourage them to ask for help whenever they need it.
The following are signs that your parent is still grieving over the loss of their spouse:
- Forgetfulness
- Lack of interest or motivation
- Disorganization
- Poor concentration
Ask for Assistance
Emotions may run high during your first holiday with one surviving parent. For example, you might not be good at offering comfort or unable to assist with some activities of daily living such as dressing and toileting. You should reach out to other siblings and close relatives for help. Another suitable option can be hiring a professional in-home senior care service. They provide 24/7 companion care to seniors and offer personalized assistance with daily activities.
Remember to Take Care of Yourself
The death of one parent can also affect you as much as they affect the surviving parent. Therefore, as you care for the surviving parent, you should also be mindful of your welfare and needs. Here are some self-care tips to stay connected to your body, mind, and soul during the holidays:
- Create a daily exercise routine
- Share your feelings and emotions
- Ask for help from others
Plan You Holidays With the Assistance of Senior Helpers of Chicago
Are you a resident of Chicago, Cook County, IL, looking for the best possible way to take care of an elderly loved one? Contact Senior Helpers of Chicago to help make your holiday memorable. We provide in-home personal care services and a comprehensive list of programs suitable for senior citizens.