Excerpt from: McKnight's (click for full article)
I think the first thing that we must do to help people who have been bereaved is to tell them to be “kind to themselves.” Point out to them that they have come through a very emotional period, possibly a very long one, and that the first thing they must do is get themselves strong.
As a long-term caregiver, you have likely been on both sides of bereavement: you may have lost a loved one yourself, or witnessed the effects of bereavement among residents at your facility. Many residents may have lost a spouse, adult child and a multitude of friends during their time with you. Additionally, you may have long relationships with
Take care of oneself doesn't just include becoming emotionally or mentally healthy, but physically fit. Make sure someone in bereavement is eating properly, because it is easy to forget to do this in the middle of grief. Sensible meals, sitting down and not rushing may sound old fashioned, but I think it gives the whole of one's metabolism a chance to recover. If I was on my own, I found it useful to read something, to stop me eating too quickly. This can be a particular issue for professional caregivers suffering from a loss, as they rush from place to place to try to ignore their feelings.
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