Grief and Loss in the Older Adult
“Grief causes tremendous turmoil in every aspect of life and brings a wide range of physical, emotional, and spiritual responses.” (Oregon State University, 2004) “Most difficult are the transitions that incorporate losses rather than gains in status, influence, and opportunity. The move from independence to dependence and becoming a care recipient is particularly difficult.” (Touhy and Jett, 2012) Understanding loss in later life is complicated in that “some losses occur in rapid succession, with one loss triggering others.” (Schmall, 2004) As discussed by HealthLink BC, a loss may be the impetus for more insidious losses. For example, loss of a spouse may lead to financial loss, and loss of social connections. “Because loss is a common theme in later life, it’s important to understand its potential significance, to be able to identify the subtle as well as the dramatic losses older people experience, and to recognize when a person’s behaviour may be a response to such losses.” (Schmall, 2004) There is no set time frame for the grief process. It is individual person to person. This paper will examine grief and loss in older adults in relation to loss of role identity, loss of supports due to isolation and finally the impact on nursing.
“Loss, dying and death are universal, incontestable events of the human experience.” (Touhy and Jett, 2012) As one ages, losses begin to multiply and it requires great resilience to weather the journey through them all. Losses can be loss of spouse or other loved ones; loss of employment; and just as significantly, loss of role. “Role transitions that occur in late life include retirement, grandparenthood, widow-hood, and becoming a caregiver or recipient of care.” (Touhy and Jett, 2012) When there are naturally occurring losses, i.e. aging, planned retirements; the transition in role can be easily managed. It is the unexpected or unanticipated losses that make role...