Geriatric Mental Health Disaster and Emergency Preparedness

Chapter 15 Bereavement and Grief 311
itation and promote sleep. Any dosage reduction of these medications must
be gradual. Antidepressants were found helpful in one controlled trial.
The formation of bonds of affection is a complex and variable process.
In general, the loss of children is felt with the greatest pain, but the
loss of a spouse produces the greatest loss of function. Social services and
financial assistance may be needed to cope with the loss of a spouse. The
life of the old is often considered less valuable, which can affect the priority
of rescue attempts. The role of DNR orders in triage situation has
not been codified.
Grief can take the form of anger, which may be directed at helpers
and lead to litigation. Increased mortality, mental disturbance, and suicide
rates can be tracked for many years after bereavement in disasters.
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