Healing After Loss: Emotional Support for Aging Adults

The Census Bureau reports that in 2021, among seniors aged 75 or older who had ever married, 58% of women and 28% of men had lost a spouse. Experiencing loss can feel isolating, but you're not alone.

Grief is common in later life, but it is never easier. Losing a spouse, sibling, or friend can leave you feeling isolated and emotionally drained. Many people expect seniors to simply cope, but healing after loss takes time and support.

That's why at LakeHouse Escanaba, located at 501 South Lincoln Rd, Escanaba, MI, we focus on compassionate emotional support. Our goal is to foster a caring environment where you or your loved one can begin to heal and reconnect.

Discover how you can regain your balance and emotional strength through consistent support and routine.

Understanding Grief in Aging Adults

Grief can manifest differently as you age. While sadness is a common response, you may experience physical symptoms like:

• Fatigue
• Trouble sleeping
• Unexplained aches and pains

It's not unusual to withdraw socially or forget things you would normally remember, like appointments or names. These signs can be misunderstood as just part of aging. However, these signs are often a natural part of the grieving process.

If you're facing multiple losses or adjusting to big life changes, such as moving or retiring, your grief can feel even more intense. Society may expect you to "just cope" with loss, assuming that with age, you've become accustomed to it.

However, grief does not follow a linear path. It's important to recognize and validate your feelings. Giving yourself permission to grieve is a crucial part of emotional wellness and recovery.

The Stages and Process of Grieving

Grieving involves a range of emotions. It's not always a straightforward journey. Here are the five well-known stages of grief:

• Denial
• Anger
• Bargaining
• Depression
• Acceptance

You or your loved one may not progress through these stages in a sequential order. Some stages may come back more than once. That's normal.

As a caregiver, your support can bring comfort. Simply being present can significantly impact the healing process.

The Role of Emotional Wellness in Healing

Taking care of your emotional wellness is important after a loss. It helps you regain balance and start the healing process. Grief can stir up all sorts of emotions, and it's okay to feel overwhelmed.

Prioritizing emotional health can guide you through tough times. You can try things like:

• Journaling
• Talking to a counselor
• Practicing mindfulness

Journaling lets you express your feelings and clear your mind. Counseling gives you a safe space to talk about your grief and get support. Mindfulness helps you stay grounded and calm when emotions are high.

As a caregiver, it's important to check in on their emotional well-being regularly. You may also notice that when their emotional health improves, so does their physical health.

Be sure to encourage them to seek support for coping with loss. Also, let them know it's okay to grieve.

Building a Support System

Remember, you don't have to journey through grief alone. A strong support system can ease your pain and help you move forward.

Surrounding yourself with people who care can make a big difference. Consider reaching out to the following individuals and groups for support:

• Family and friends
• Caregivers
• Senior support
• Assisted living communities
• Faith-based communities

Talking to someone who has experienced a similar loss can be deeply healing. It reminds you that you're not alone and that healing is possible.

Utilizing technology can further enhance your social connections:

• Use video calls to see loved ones
• Join online support groups or forums
• Send regular messages to keep in touch

If you're supporting a grieving senior, help them stay engaged and connected. Your presence, patience, and kindness can go a long way in grief recovery for seniors.

Creating a Routine to Regain Balance

When you're grieving, each day can feel unpredictable. But having a routine can help you feel more grounded and in control. It's a simple way to support your aging and healing.

Start small. A consistent routine gives your mind and body something steady to hold on to. Focus on basics like:

• Getting enough sleep
• Eating balanced meals
• Moving your body, even with light stretches
• Making time for hobbies or interests

Self-care is crucial, too. Simple acts like walking outside, listening to music, or enjoying a cup of tea can lift your spirit.

At LakeHouse Escanaba, we recognize the importance of structure and care during times of grief. That's why we help you or your loved one build healthy routines that support healing after loss. With a compassionate staff and a peaceful environment, you're never alone on this journey.

Professional Support and Resources

Sometimes, grief feels overwhelming to bear alone. That's the time when professional support can truly assist. Counseling, therapy, or grief coaching can give you tools to work through pain in a safe, guided way.

Requesting help isn't indicative of weakness. It's a step toward emotional wellness.

Here at LakeHouse Escanaba, we connect seniors with trusted support. Whether it's local therapy, a grief recovery group, or teletherapy for individuals with limited mobility, help is available.

Time for Reinvention and Finding New Purpose

Healing after loss isn't about forgetting. It's about integrating the loss into your life. Over time, you can find new meaning and purpose.

Exploring hobbies, volunteering, or sharing your wisdom can help you rediscover joy and a sense of purpose. Loss may close one chapter, but it can open doors to new opportunities.

Finding a new role or passion can bring fresh energy and direction. Be patient with yourself. Healing takes time, and self-compassion is key.

Healing After Loss: Find Peace Through Support and Routine

Healing after loss takes time, tenderness, and support. But you don't have to walk that path alone. With the right care, connection, and steady routine, you can rediscover peace and meaning in your days.

At LakeHouse Escanaba, we're a warm lakeside community where seniors feel seen, supported, and cared for. Our neighborhood, Escanaba, is a small, pleasant city in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, located along the Escanaba River. It's recognized for its scenic views at Little Bay de Noc, including waterfalls, parks, and lighthouses.

Call us today to find the healing support you deserve.