Anniversary of Loved One's Death Particularly Hard During Holidays

Photo credit Tim Doerfler Dear Carol: This January marks one year since my mother died. My dad adored her, as we all did, but he's having a harder time adjusting than we kids, which I suppose is to be expected. Mom had cancer but her treatments proved to be ineffective so she eventually went on hospice care. With hospice helping, Mom was coherent during the holidays last year. We got through it, and Dad did admirably well, considering the circumstances. I think he kept up a front for Mom's sake. Once she died, which was mid-month, he fell apart and had only marginally recovered before this year's holidays approached. The family struggled through a low-key Thanksgiving and Christmas, but with the New Year and Mom's death anniversary coming up, I'm afraid for Dad. Though he made an effort over Christmas for the grandchildren, he's now become depressed and withdrawn. I know that suicide is an issue for older people. I don't think he's that bad, yet, but I'm scared. - FM Read the full column on Inforum about the difficult anniversaries that can coincide with the holiday season: MedicareFAQ – Medicare Resource Center Support a caregiver or jump-start discussion in support groups with real stories - for bulk orders of Minding Our Elders e-mail Carol                  Related StoriesNow That Christmas Is Here Remember: Our Best Is Good EnoughHoliday Spirit Gone After Loss of Loved OnesSelf...
Source: Minding Our Elders - Category: Geriatrics Authors: Source Type: blogs