Category Archives: Grief and Loss

Suicide Among Older Adults – And Help For Them

Aging Parents, Dementia, Events, Family Members, Grief and Loss, Guest Writer, Mental Health, Support, Susan Birenbaum

//// By Susan Birenbaum LCSW, MBA, C-ASWCM //// People do not realize that suicide is a major problem in the elderly. Since Older Adults have so many medical issues, it is assumed that death is a result of co-morbidity rather than suicide. Albeit, our society does not value older adults as other cultures do. In … Continue reading Suicide Among Older Adults – And Help For Them →

Addressing the Mental Health Concerns of Seniors in the Corona-virus World

Bunni Dybnis, Dementia, Elder Abuse, Family Members, Grief and Loss, Guest Writer, Mental Health, Support

by: Bunni Dybnis, MA, LMFT, CMC COVID-19 has dramatically changed our world. The news, warnings, restrictions, instructions, double messages, shortages, politics, financial implications are never-ending.  Most are resilient.  After the initial chaos, fears, panic, and confusion, the emotional upheaval will settle down.  Most will adapt to the changing world as we have adjusted to life’s … Continue reading Addressing the Mental Health Concerns of Seniors in the Corona-virus World →

Could COVID-19 have contributed to my mother’s death

Charlene Neu, COVID-19, End of Life Care, Family Members, Grief and Loss, Guest Writer

by: Charlene Neu Could COVID-19 have contributed to my Mom’s death on March 2? We will never know, though she was considered to be in the most vulnerable group and had been diagnosed with Pneumonia mid-February. What I do know is that as heartbreaking it was to lose her then, it would be devastating to … Continue reading Could COVID-19 have contributed to my mother’s death →

Ambiguity and Acceptance in the Time of COVID-19

Aging Well, Care Managers, Care Recipients, COVID-19, Family Members, Grief and Loss, Guest Writer, Jullie Gray, Mental Health, Uncategorized

On March 25th, 2020, I had the honor of meeting with some of the top women business leaders in the Seattle area. These ladies are some of the hardest working women I know. They are smart, creative and committed to not only making their businesses succeed, but they also want to make the world a … Continue reading Ambiguity and Acceptance in the Time of COVID-19 →

Aging Adults and Suicide Risk

Aging Life Care Professionals, Education, Grief and Loss, Mental Health, , , ,
Suicide Prevention Month

In 2013, the second highest rate of suicide occurred in those 85 years and older. It is difficult to imagine that your aging loved one may be contemplating suicide, but the aging process can bring on depression and a sense of hopelessness that may prompt suicidal thoughts. As we mark September as Suicide Prevention Awareness … Continue reading Aging Adults and Suicide Risk →

When the Spouse Left Behind Has Dementia…

Alzheimer's, Dementia, Grief and Loss,
My parent is dying

There are creative and effective ways to help an aging parent, family member, or loved one who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease or dementia cope with the loss of their spouse, according to a survey of Aging Life Care Professionals™.  Remembering that there are different stages and types of dementia, making sure the surviving spouse does … Continue reading When the Spouse Left Behind Has Dementia… →

Coping With Grief and Loss

Aging Parents, Family Members, Grief and Loss, Mental Health, , ,
My parent is dying

Though we all know death and the loss of loved ones is a reality of getting older, it doesn’t mean that it gets any easier for those grieving a loss. Individuals will cope with grief and loss in different ways and in different timeframes. Offering support during these difficult life changes can help your loved … Continue reading Coping With Grief and Loss →