How I Handle the Grief Nobody Talks About

One of the hardest parts of caregiving is the grief that comes long before a loved one passes away. It's watching someone lose abilities they had just weeks ago. It's hearing, "I used to be able to do that," and knowing how much that loss hurts. As caregivers and family members, we feel those changes too. We celebrate progress, but we also quietly mourn the pieces of independence that are slipping away.

The way I handle it is by allowing myself to acknowledge the loss while choosing not to live there. Instead, I look for the good in the little things—a successful shower, a few extra steps, a favorite meal, a shared laugh, or a good day after several hard ones. The losses are real, but so are the victories. I've learned that grief and gratitude can exist side by side, and sometimes it's those small moments that help carry us through the hardest seasons.

Kayla Cares LLC
Where personalized care meets the comfort of your home
📞 605-510-7952

Providing trusted, compassionate care in the Black Hills.