Loss and Grief in Dementia

Guidance and Resources
CASE STUDY 2
to visit his old friends to begin to process his change in environment. It may also
involve working with his family to develop an understanding of the things that matter
to Tom and to give you some information about Tom's mother which may support
him. For more information on life story work as an approach please see (115).
Validate and acknowledge Tom’s emotions
• Labelling Tom’s emotions may be a helpful way of engaging with him. Saying
something like “Tom I see you’re really sad/upset today”. Will we talk about it?
Something practical like doing an activity Tom likes or going for a walk/ leaving the
residential care setting may be a good way to connect and engage with Tom.
• Support Tom to express himself and to grieve on his terms. It may be useful to
speak with the family about how best to support Tom with his grief. Visiting his
mother’s grave and/ or the family home may be supportive to him in beginning to
grieve. Using art or music therapy may be other useful avenues to support Tom in
expressing his grief.
Understand connections
• Support Tom to maintain his relationships with his family and friends. This will help
to allow him feel connected and supported in a new environment after a major
bereavement.
• Use environmental cues: It may be useful to have a photo of Tom’s mother and
some objects which he would relate to her as a way of supporting him to continue
to feel connected to his mother.
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