Holidays can be especially tough for those who are grieving. As Valentine’s Day gets closer, those elderly loved ones who have lost a spouse or life partner may find the holiday almost unbearable, especially if they feel destined to spend it alone without support or distractions from friends.
How To Tell if Your Loved One is Still Grieving
Grieving is different for everyone and unlike a health condition that gradually improves, grieving can feel like it’s getting better and then something can come up and your loved one may find herself deep in all of those grief emotions again. It’s not a linear journey and needs to be treated with care and acceptance. Some key clues that your loved one may still be grieving or maybe finding her grief increase during this holiday include:
- Lack of appetite
- No desire to participate in activities
- An overwhelming feeling of sadness
- Having no energy or wanting to sleep all of the time
- Struggling to make decisions
Celebrating Valentine’s Day with your Widowed Loved One
While you can never replace the special bond your loved one had with her partner, spending some time with her on Valentine’s Day or near the day will show your love for her and can help her through tough holiday emotions. Knowing what your loved one enjoys doing and building off of that is a great way to start your special time together. If you need some ideas, here are five ways to enjoy Valentine’s Day together this year.
Go out for a special Valentine’s Day Meal.
It doesn’t need to be a four-star restaurant, just a nice little brunch at a local café can do the trick. Or hit up that new restaurant in town that you’ve both been wanting to try.
Go to a movie together.
Movies are a great escape, especially when viewed on the big screen with a bucket of popcorn between you.
Visit a museum, craft show, or park.
Looking at beautiful items and moving around can be uplifting for the soul.
Play some games.
Have a fun afternoon or night playing all of her favorite games and enjoying some light snacks.
Visit her loved one’s burial place.
If your loved one desires to bring flowers to the graveside or sit with her loved one for a bit, that’s okay as well. Honor her desire and then suggest a nice follow-up activity like a meal or some music.
When You Can’t Be There, Home Care Assistance Can
Knowing your loved one is still mourning the loss of her spouse or partner and has to face the infamous holiday of love all alone can be especially hard if you live far away without family members or friends who can help your loved one navigate this tender holiday. If that is the case, a home care assistance provider can take some steps to make this day better for your loved one. You can ask the home care assistance provider to help plan a special meal, pick up some flowers to deliver from you on their next visit, or see if they can take your loved one on a nice outing on Feb 14 to distract her from the sorrow of missing her loved one.
Having a caring and thoughtful home care assistance provider can help your loved one through Valentine’s Day this year.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Home Care Assistance in Westwood, CA, please call Mom's Home Care and talk to our friendly, knowledgeable staff. Our number is 323-244-4789.
