Loss and Grief in Dementia

Section 4
4.1. GuIdAnCe: ReSpOndInG tO LOSS And GRIef
a. Always acknowledge the person’s losses.
b. Validate the person's grief responses.
c. When interacting with a person who is experiencing loss and grief you should:
• Use active listening skills
• Encourage people to think about their support needs.
d. Be clear on your role and seek extra help if you need it.
InfORmAtIOn And ReSOuRCeS tO SuppORt
GuIdAnCe 4.1
“When it comes to grief, non-judgemental listening and open discussion may be the
best tools for discovering what a person is truly experiencing and for offering
meaningful emotional support”
(40).
Below are some tips which may support you in communicating with people in relation to loss, grief
and bereavement in your work:
a. Always acknowledge a person’s loss(es)
Acknowledging loss will usually provide comfort and consolation to the person. This can be done in
many ways - by being present with a person through actions, gestures or words. It may be
uncomfortable but it is extremely important that you acknowledge a person's loss. Not acknowledging
losses can lead to disenfranchised grief which can be a very isolating experience.
3 Saying something such as “I can see this is a really tough time for you” or “I’m sorry this is
happening to you” can often be enough to acknowledge and validate a person’s emotions.
3 Avoid using cliches such as “she’s not aware of what’s happening, it’s probably for the best”
or “well at least they’re no longer suffering” or “they are in a better place” Comments such
as these invalidate a person’s experiences and are not helpful. Avoid using any judgements or
personal opinions when speaking with someone who is grieving. It is counterproductive and
will often shut a conversation down.
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Loss and Grief in Dementia