1. Grief and Loss

2. As a support worker, it will be important that you are able to recognise the signs of grief and loss. Through recognition of these signs you will be able to better support the older person who you are working with.

3. Grief and Loss People experience grief and loss for many reasons, not just because someone has died. For example: Person used to be active and independent and now relies on others Person has lost some mental/physical abilities, is feeling the loss of privacy and independence because they may not be able to dress themselves or cook for themselves.

4. Someone who is sick and may not live much longer means they are no longer in control of their life Someone who cannot manage alone safely and has to leave their home, pets, belongings and their sense of freedom Someone who requires continuous medical attention, which makes them feel dependent on others

5. Case study Martha is an older woman in her 80s. She has dementia. She is not able to recognise her family and friends or remember the things that have happened in her life. She can not remember that her mother died many years and often has to be told again. She has forgotten her mother’s funeral and so does not remember that she has said goodbye.

6. The stages of grief Denial Anger Bargaining Depression Acceptance