DEATH OF A SPOUSE
Losing a partner is an experience that many of us will have to contend with. The fact is that about forty percent of women and thirteen percent of men who are aged 65 years and older are widowed. And it is only recently that researchers have decided to look into this issue and develop evidence based practices to care for our elders that are facing the loss of a significant other. When a spouse or partner passes away it can leave the one left behind feeling lost, alone and afraid. This leads to multiple physical and psychological difficulties for the one left behind, the loss also effects the ones left to care for the widow/er , such as the children, and the siblings of the widow/er. Nurses have a responsibility to help guide people facing this loss to the proper resources and educate them on what he or she can expect to feel and go through.
There are physical and psychological difficulties that can be caused by losing a significant other. Many are normal and will ease as time goes by, such as sadness, trouble sleeping, and little interest in food, concentration difficulties, and a hard time making even small decisions. For elders some things to watch for are signs of worsening sadness or depression, anxiety, or significant weight loss such as five percent over a one month period. Family and friends should also watch for access drinking or just not caring for his or herself i.e. not showering, or not paying bills. Another fact that families should be aware of is that suicide is something that happens all too often when an elder loses their partner, (Columbia University, 2013), making it all more important to watch for signs of depression. Unfortunately in addition to all the other issues that occur many times the widowed will be faced with either needing to move in with adult children or into a facility, causing even more difficulty in adjusting to life without their partner due to many caretakers being spouses, (Columbia University,...