Where do caregivers turn after their loved one has passed away? How do they cope with feeling lost and without a role? What if they feel grief and relief at the same time? These are hard questions that many caregivers face at the beginning of the grieving process.

Caregiving often changes a person’s life in many ways. Personal, social, work, and financial situations may all shift. Many caregivers experience high stress, anxiety, ongoing exhaustion, and feelings of isolation while providing care. When caregiving ends, these challenges do not simply disappear.

A caregiver’s vulnerability during grief can be shaped by many factors. These include:

Their relationship with the deceased person
How long they were caregiving
The intensity of the caregiving role
Whether caregiving was added to an already stressful life

Letting go of the caregiving role can also affect a person’s sense of identity, especially if it gave them purpose and meaning. Feeling lost, exhausted, and alone is common after caregiving ends. If you are a grieving caregiver, know you are not alone. Support and resources are available. Caregiver Grief Connexion was created to honour the unique experiences of bereaved caregivers. Our goal is to strengthen support by sharing information, building connections, and making helpful resources more accessible

Caring for Yourself in Grief

The Emotions That May Follow

After caregiving ends, you may experience:

Deep sadness or emptiness
Relief mixed with guilt or confusion
Anxiety or dread about the future
Physical signs like heaviness, aches, or fatigue
A loss of identity after the caregiving role ends

Note: Many caregivers also experience anticipatory grief — grief that happens before a death, as loved ones slowly lose their abilities and plans change. These feelings may come and go without warning.

Caring For Yourself During Early Grief

Let yourself feel; it’s part of the healing process, and there is no way to skip grief. Try to:

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Have one small thing each day to look forward to, such as a little snack, warm drink, or fresh air. Eat regular, simple meals and stay hydrated.
Rest when you are tired; sleep as you can.
Move gently: walking, stretching, or light activity can help your body and mood.
Try slow, deep breathing or brief moments of mindfulness to ground yourself.

Making Meaning After Caregiving

Many caregivers find healing through reflection and expression. Helpful practices include:

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Journaling memories, thoughts, and emotions
Writing letters to your loved one
Creating a small memory book or collection of photos
Reflecting on life lessons and personal growth

Finding Your Way Forward

Grief can change how you see yourself. This is normal. Some caregivers find meaning by:

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Volunteering with caregiving organizations or helping in their communities
Exploring personal and professional goals they had set aside
Reconnecting with past hobbies or trying new activities.
Slow, deep breathing or brief moments of mindfulness to ground yourself.

Getting Support For Grief

You do not have to carry this pain alone. Reaching out for support can bring comfort and understanding.

Some helpful options include:

Support groups for caregivers
Grief counsellors or therapists
Local Hospice Societies
Canadian Grief Alliance (https://aboutgrief.ca/)
BC Bereavement Helpline: 604-738-9950 (https://bcbh.ca/)
Caregiver Grief Connexion: 514-399-9082 (https://caregivergrief.com)
Faith leaders or spiritual guides
Trusted friends or family

Note: Thanks to our friends at Caregiver Grief Connexion for their contribution.