Loss and bereavement

When someone get dementia you are likely to go through a bereavement process before they die, as their illness progresses. 

It is fairly common to grieve about the lost of the person that they once were. You will consider the loss of your future together, your freedom and lifestyle or many other things. 

When they die you may find that because you have already grieved it may not hit you as hard when they die or you could be overwhelmed with the loss. 

As we have said throughout all of our articles, everyone is different.  So how you react is really not something that we can write about.  But it is important for you to understand that you are not alone if you do not feel strong emotions when the person you are caring for dies. You may even feel relived that you can get your life back. 

You shouldn't feel guilty about having these feelings as they are completely natural. And you would not be the first person to feel like this. 

Caring is a massive part of your life. So when the person you care for dies there is no telling what emotions you will feel. 

It may help to talk to friend or family member about these emotions.  But if you do feel guilty about the emotions you are feeling then maybe speak with your GP about finding some other support in you area. They will be able to point in the right direction and get you the help that you need.