Areas of Anticipated Change:
• Plans and Priorities. There may be significant changes that reflect what matters most to you now. A previous priority, such as work, may be replaced by a new priority, such as spending more time with family and friends or personal health and well-being. As you adjust to a new lifestyle, it may become necessary to change priorities for practical reasons, to alter goals, or delay taking steps to achieve them.
• Relationships. Following the death of a loved one, some friends or family members may struggle with what to say or how to interact with you. Some may distance themselves while others are drawn even closer. Refocusing your life may result in a different connection with others. New relationships and friendships may also develop in time.
• Routines. While caring for a loved one who has been sick, much of your daily routine has likely involved appointments and other caregiving tasks. With their death, this routine ends, leaving you with a deep sense of loss and missing your caregiving responsibilities. Over time you will be able to develop a new routine that begins to feel comfortable and may involve taking on some tasks he or she used to handle.
• Finances. The death of a family member often impacts a family’s finances and brings additional strain to an already difficult situation. There may now be less income along with increased expenses making it necessary for you to work again or begin work for the first time to help meet current needs.
