Loss and Grief in the Context of Dementia Caregiving

Abstract

As a universal human reaction to perceived and/or actual loss, grief is becoming increasingly pervasive at all levels of society. Among the broad spectrum of loss experiences, those associated with dementia are perhaps of the most complex. The shift toward considering loss and grief within the context of dementia caregiving is promising. However, pre-loss grief is understudied, and interventions are lacking. Only few studies have evaluated the effectiveness of pre-loss psychosocial grief interventions for dementia caregivers. Preliminary findings from an ongoing clinical trial testing the effects of an 8-week, group-based online video intervention with dementia caregivers indicate that compared to precoronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, the experience of loss and separation was exacerbated by loss of control and severe physical contact restrictions in long-term care facilities. Finding effective grief interventions that can be translated into clinical and community-based environments is necessary to alleviate dementia caregivers' emotional distress and improve their quality of life. [ Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 60 (10), 7–10.]