The loss of a parent is never easy. Even if the death was expected, when it actually happens, the grief can be overwhelming. If you were your parent’s caregiver, however, those feelings can seem unsurmountable.
When a parent you have cared for dies that loss is compounded by a feeling of no longer being needed. The process of grieving is different for everyone but can be particularly complicated for caregivers who experience a wide range of emotions that often seem impossible to navigate.
Caring for an aging parent is challenging – emotionally and physically. Even if your parent has a paid caregiver who comes into their home or they live in nursing home, you likely still spend a great deal of time with them. And when you aren’t with your parent, they are always on your mind.