Loss and Grief in Dementia

Guidance and Resources
CASE STUDY 1
- You may need to repeat information in a quiet but clear voice and the use of
active listening and supportive touch may be needed. Edna may ask the same
questions over and over, she may dwell on the topic of going home.
- Develop a consistent response and share this with the team e.g. “Edna you
are not feeling settled here – what do you miss most about home?”
- You may consider developing a care plan to support Edna and ensure a
consistent response among all those supporting Edna.
Understand Connections:
• In relation to the loss of her husband – acknowledge and validate her emotions
“Edna I know this is a really hard time for you now with the death of your husband
Eddie. It is a really hard time. Anytime you want to talk I’m here for you” or you may
use reminiscence as a way of connecting with and supporting her as appropriate
“Edna tell me how you and Eddie met/ what was he like” etc
• It may be helpful to spend time sharing information with the family and the team of
healthcare staff to ensure that the responses given are somewhat consistent. This
will support Edna in processing the many losses she is experiencing and to feel
validated and in control in a new and unfamiliar environment and routine.
Use Environmental Cues
• It may be helpful to use things such as photographs, objects, furniture from Edna’s
home if possible or other items which would support Edna to maintain her sense of
identity and connect with her past in a meaningful way. It may also be helpful to
support Edna to do some life story work/ make a photo album or gather music which
was important to her and Eddie in the past.
Loss and Grief in Dementia
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