When a loved one passes, they leave behind a life that must be closed out. The responsibility of handling the personal and legal details might rest on your shoulders. It’s a stressful, bureaucratic job that can take some time to get through. All while you are grieving the loss of your loved one.
Barbara Herrington of All About Aging joined me to discuss. Click the player above to listen. A full transcript can also be found there. Learn about Barbara and All about Aging.
First Things First
When a loved one passes it can turn your world upside down. The thing that has so consumed your life, maybe for years, is suddenly over. From personal experience, I can tell you that it may leave you feeling lost and empty. The list of things that must be addressed now is long. But let me encourage you to start by giving yourself a moment to breathe and take in the loss. It’s significant and you deserve some time to process it before you begin the next part of the process. This article about grief may be helpful to you.
What’s Next?
There is much to be done after a loved one passes. It can be an overwhelming task. The good news is that everything doesn’t have to be done all at once. Depending on your situation and how much pre-planning was done, this process can take some time. Maybe weeks, a year, or more. Be patient, get some help, and take it one step at a time. We’ve created this checklist to help you organize the tasks. Barbara also recommends this helpful book: Please Don’t Die, But if You Do, What Do I Do Next?: A Practical and Cost Saving Guide for the Estate Executor
Grief Support
During bereavement and throughout the grief process, you will need some emotional support. There is no shame, EVER, in asking for help. Support can be found in a variety of places. Family members, friends, support groups (in-person and virtual), community organizations, or mental health professionals can all help.
The grieving process is different for everyone. Some may grieve for a long time and have difficulty getting over the hump, while others may work through the process faster. If you are having trouble working through the grief, ask for help. This article by VeryWellMind.com has a good list of online support groups to get you started.
Author: Liz Craven
Liz Craven, along with her husband Wes, owns Pro-Ad Media, publisher of Sage Aging ElderCare Guide, serving the local community for over 28 years. Liz lives in Lakeland and is very active in the local community, specifically in the area of aging. Liz serves on a number of local boards and committees including the Lakeland Vision and Age Friendly Lakeland.
