How to Help a Senior Cope With the Loss of a Pet

By eHow Health Editor

Instructions

Step 1:
Make yourself immediately available to the senior. Seniors can take the loss of a pet especially hard and may start to question their sense of purpose after they have lost their pet. Be around to remind him that the loss of his pet doesn't have to coincide with a loss of his sense of self.
Step 2:
Invite the senior to functions involving family and friends. Fun events that remind seniors that they are loved and appreciated can help them recover from their loss.
Step 3:
Give a senior phone numbers to pet loss support hotlines. Pet loss support hotlines exist for the express purpose of helping people grieve. You can find pet support hotlines by searching the Internet. If the senior is on a fixed income, provide her with a calling card to use for hotline calls so that she will always have someone to talk to when you are not available.
Step 4:
Bring new animals into the senior's life. While no animal can completely replace the one that has been lost, new pets may be able to help a senior cope with his loss. Offer to get the senior a new pet. If you are unsure of his ability to care for a new pet, consider allowing the senior to regularly pet sit one of your own. You may also suggest that the senior become a volunteer in a veterinary hospital or foster homeless pets waiting to be adopted.
Step 5:
Listen to the senior. The loss of a pet may bring up memories of past losses or other concerns. Lend an ear to the senior and offer your understanding.
Step 6:
Accommodate the senior's requests. Comply with helping her grieve by offering physical, emotional and other types of support.
Step 7:
Ask if the senior needs help with anything. Seniors may need extra care and attention during the period of loss, but may not be comfortable asking for your assistance. Observe their behavior and read between lines. Let the senior know that you are there to help them during the trying period.

Tips & Warnings

Helping a senior cope with the loss of a pet is not unlike helping them cope with the loss of a human loved one. Be compassionate.

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