Caregiving Monday: 5 Steps of Grief

Your loved one will slowly decline and be able to do less than before.  During these changes you will find yourself grieving, just as you will when death claims the patient.  Allow yourself to work through the grief process and seek counseling if needed. grief

I’ve listed the five stages of grief here:

  1. Shock and Denial—you don’t want to accept the decline or loss; possibly the change is so sudden you’re in shock
  2. Anger—you find yourself angry at the changes in your loved one and situation.  Your heart grieves for them.
  3. Bargaining—you want to bargain with God or someone to make things better.
  4. Depression—you’re depressed over the changes
  5. Acceptance and Hope—you come to terms and accept the change or loss