EMOTIONS FELT AFTER LOOSING SOMEONE WITH DEMENTIA

You feel that you have lost the person, you knew, long ago and you could not say a proper goodbye.
You may feel angry with others i.e. family, friends, religious organizations, for not giving you enough support. You may also feel angry with yourself for not being able to cope.

Guilt

This may be caused by the fact that you feel you have not done enough for the person in your care.

Relief

This is a very common emotion amongst carers. At last the person who was in their care is now at peace and their suffering and humiliation is over. At the same time the burden of care is lifted, it may sometimes be replaced by a feeling of guilt for thinking ‘‘that the person is at peace and their humiliation is over. ‘’

Sadness

You may feel that the person you lost was not the same person you knew and that you have lost the “real” loved one long ago. You may wish that you could have spent more time with the person.

Shame

Due to the stigma attached to this disease, you may feel ashamed of the person you had been caring for.

Loneliness

Being unable to talk to anyone about your situation may make you feel alone
and isolated.

Bitterness

You may become bitter with friends, church, and community for not
supporting you.

Depression

You may be alone with no one to share your burden of responsible care with.

Loss of Identity

You may not have had the time to think about yourself for so long you may forget who you are.

Hate

You may hate the person for putting you through such hard times.

Loss of Faith

You may question why the person you loved had suffered from dementia and has now been taken from you.