Unfortunately, the worst event imaginable has occurred, and now you're dealing with grief. According to The Recovery Village, the average person who dies in America leaves behind five loved ones going through bereavement.
Are you a senior living in Port Townsend, WA, who is trying to figure out how to navigate grief? If there is any good news, it's this: You are not alone.
In this article, we will discuss grief recovery for seniors and healing after loss. Read on to learn more about senior support for coping with loss.
Do not underestimate the benefits of professional help when it comes to senior support systems for grief. Often, a therapist can have more insights into your condition than your loved ones.
A bereavement therapist will start by learning about your relationship with the person you lost. Then, he or she can put together a treatment plan that aligns with your goals.
The number of sessions can vary, depending on how well you learn coping strategies or if you need to process complex emotions.
The goal of bereavement therapy is twofold:
Humans thrive on routine, often seeking solace in everyday activities when navigating tough periods of life. This sentiment also applies to bereavement.
If you already have a routine, try to get back to it when you feel ready. You may not feel like your usual self at first, which is expected.
Sometimes you might need to establish a new routine. For instance, if you were a caregiver for your loved one, you may have structured your schedule around their needs.
Your routine can be broken up into time fragments, or you can simply have a list of tasks that you perform every day. The level of detail is completely up to you.
Connecting with others is a powerful way that you can navigate your grief. Even if you have family and friends who have also experienced the loss, grief can be incredibly isolating.
A bereavement group has a unique design for attendees to share and relate to one another. Participants can share coping strategies or simply reminisce on good times with their loved ones.
If you experienced a specific type of loss, you may be able to find a specialized bereavement group. Often, there are groups tailored to spousal loss or child loss.
With the rise of the internet and social media, it is easier than ever to find others whom you can relate to in the digital space. Websites such as Facebook can be a great way to facilitate bereavement groups.
A huge benefit of online support groups is that you aren't barred by geographic location or time zone. Members can join live calls or make asynchronous posts within the group page.
Groups can also be set to Private, so only members can see the content. You will not have to worry about your thoughts being shared outside of the online space.
Going outdoors has numerous health benefits, including increased Vitamin D intake and elevated mood. Explore the beautiful Olympic Peninsula to make the most out of your location in Port Townsend, WA.
For hiking enthusiasts, Fort Worden State Park is a must. These are features:
If you aren't keen on hiking, try taking a stroll through Port Townsend's historic downtown. Take in the shops or grab a bite to eat, right by the beach.
It is never too late to try a new hobby. If there is something you have always wanted to learn, now is the time.
Keeping your mind busy with a hobby can help you process overwhelming thoughts and work through emotions. Engaging in your hobby can also aid you in re-establishing your norm, similar to a daily routine.
Do you reside in a senior living community? See if there are clubs or classes for hobbies that interest you. Or, start your own and sign up others who may want to join. You may end up making lifelong friends.
The power of journaling cannot be overstated. You may already be aware of the benefits of journaling if you work with a bereavement therapist.
Jotting down your feelings regularly can be cathartic. The act of putting pen to paper, or even typing them out, is similar to a release.
The best part about journaling is that you have complete freedom. Write down thoughts about your day, or pick up your journal when you have strong feelings of grief.
You can craft poems or even send letters to the loved one whom you lost. Ultimately, the way you journal is up to you -- whatever method benefits you the most.
Sometimes the best solution to aging and grief is a change of scenery. For example, if you lost your spouse, your old home may feel too big without them.
A senior living community can be the perfect opportunity for a life change. These communities offer amenities and activities to suit your needs. You can also choose from multiple floor plans.
They can also help you transition into multiple phases of life. Victoria Place Senior Living offers support and activities for seniors to help them deal with the everyday challenges of life.
When you have gone through the death of a loved one, healing after loss can be a tricky time. Victoria Place Senior Living is here to help.
Located in Port Townsend, WA, our oceanside location is just two hours from Seattle. We offer a premier senior living experience, so you can navigate your golden years in peace, comfort, and emotional wellness.
Are you ready to transition to your dream senior living community? Reach out to us today to learn more, or schedule a tour to visit us in person. We can't wait to hear from you!