November 18 is National Grief and Bereavement Day

Bereavement: Dementia & grieving

There is no right or wrong way to grieve, and dealing with the loss of someone who lived with dementia comes with its own unique challenges. Often, there’s an idea that the anticipatory grief that comes with dementia somehow prepares a care partner to navigate the death of the person more easily, but this isn’t true.

“A loss is a loss,” says an Alzheimer Society of Manitoba group facilitator. “Your experience is valid and what you are going through is yours and yours alone. There is no time frame to the healing process.”

Feelings of relief may come after passing, as well as feelings of loneliness or guilt. You may wonder whether or not you provided enough support while caregiving.

“It can feel like the rug is being pulled right out from under you,” describes the facilitator. “We want you to know you are not alone, whatever you go through next.”

November 18 is National Grief and Bereavement Day — a reminder that everyone experiences loss. While everyone grieves differently, open conversations about loss can help you and those grieving feel less alone.

Date/time: Second Monday of every month beginning Jan 12, 6:30 – 8 pm
Location: Zoom

Our bereavement support group helps you work through feelings of grief and loss in a safe space led by facilitator(s) who have the knowledge and expertise needed to understand the complications dementia brings to the grieving process.

This group offers a supportive environment where you can:

• Move through feelings of grief and loss that are experienced when someone living with dementia passes away
• Share your thoughts and emotions relating to your grief and loss
• Exchange mutual support with other caregivers who have lost a loved one to dementia