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My Dad Died

Mav2126
Mav2126 Member Posts: 50
25 Care Reactions 10 Comments First Anniversary 5 Likes
Member

After 6 months in nursing home and a week in the hospital my Dad died last Thursday. So I guess my caregiver journey is over with him. I feel very confused. I haven't cried nearly as much as I thought I would. I thought I would fall apart. But I have been fine so far. Am I just waiting for a collapse around the corner?

Comments

  • psg712
    psg712 Member Posts: 787
    250 Care Reactions 250 Likes 500 Comments Third Anniversary
    Member

    I am sorry to hear about your dad. I haven't yet faced the death of my mom with dementia so I can't offer that experience. I do remember when my dad died after a long illness that I didn't cry for a while. I think I was so exhausted and it was such a relief to know that he was no longer suffering that my own loss didn't hit me till later.

    Every person's experience with grief is different. Be kind to yourself and don't try to meet others' expectations. I think with dementia, we lose our LO bit by bit along the way - there's a lot of grief before the final goodbye. Prayers for peace and comfort for you.

  • easy23
    easy23 Member Posts: 445
    Sixth Anniversary 100 Insightfuls Reactions 100 Likes 100 Care Reactions
    Member

    I'm sorry for your loss. I wish you peace in the coming days.

  • April23
    April23 Member Posts: 211
    100 Comments 25 Care Reactions 25 Insightfuls Reactions 25 Likes
    Member

    I am so, so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved dad!

    Everyone processes grief differently. My advice is to just let it happen how it happens. There are support groups out there and there is also a forum here for those who have lost their LO.

    "Anticipatory grief"—where we begin to grieve our LO's death while they are still alive—is very real when caring for PWD. That doesn't mean you don't still have grieving to do, but maybe it lessens it some.

    Be sure to reach out to this forum or find another outlet if you need help processing. Hugs to you in the coming days!

  • SDianeL
    SDianeL Member Posts: 3,421
    1,500 Insightfuls Reactions 1,500 Likes 2500 Comments 1,000 Care Reactions
    Member

    so sorry for your loss. Take all the time you need to grieve. It’s common to be relieved when our LO with dementia passes. We pray their suffering will end. May he rest in peace. 💜

  • eaglemom
    eaglemom Member Posts: 1,180
    Legacy Membership 1000 Comments 250 Likes 100 Care Reactions
    Member

    I'm sorry for the loss of your dad. Possibly, without knowing it, you've been preparing for this. Be kind to yourself. You will be filled with memories and emotions for a bit, all of which is quite normal.

    eagle

Commonly Used Abbreviations


DH = Dear Husband
DW= Dear Wife, Darling Wife
LO = Loved One
ES = Early Stage
EO = Early Onset
FTD = Frontotemporal Dementia
VD = Vascular Dementia
MC = Memory Care
AL = Assisted Living
POA = Power of Attorney
Read more