Advice that can help:

Stay in touch: Telephone often and visit. Leave the elder to express his sentiments without you judging or comparing.

Encourage visiting: Although the senior might not want or have the energy to leave the house, encourage him to initially venture a walk and then a visit to a friend.

Don’t be overprotective:  It’s nice when the seniors’ environment is helpful, but too much help might offend them. Don’t undertake all their obligations; don’t suffocate them with advice; be supportive but leave space for the elder to adapt to the new life.  

Do not press for decisions: Often the senior is confronted with a large number of decisions that are needed to regulate his or her new life. Don’t press for important decision-taking soon after the loss. It is better for the aged to make those decisions after the bereavement period.

Help with issues of health: Seniors who lose a companion have a tendency to neglect their bodily and mental health. Encourage them to continue with their medication, visiting the doctor and maintain a daily hygiene.

Holiday times are difficult: Keep in touch during holidays. Telephone and visit often. Make a note of dates that are important to the senior and get in touch.

Look for support teams in the community: Programs such as “Help at Home,” centres for the elderly, and entertainment and education groups for adults can help seniors as well as helping you, their carer; help them begin a new page in life.

Be prepared for changes: As the senior begins to calm down, it is possible for new elements of his personality to emerge. These changes can puzzle us. Help the senior to adapt completely and encourage him to make decisions concerning his own life.