Anticipatory Grief & End of Life Discussion

The Gayle Wells Foundation for Early Onset Alzheimer’s disease understands the complexities of feelings that come when a loved one is living with early onset Alzheimer’s disease. Feelings of sadness and loss are normal, yet can be confusing to care partners, family members, children, and friends. This is known as anticipatory grief, as you have an awareness of loss while your loved one is still living.

We conduct anticipatory grief support groups, and we can also meet with you and your family individually to process through your feelings as well as provide suggestions and ideas for living with your grief. We will also provide education about the grief process
and what you might expect to have happen during your period of bereavement.

Talking about the end of one’s life is a very difficult conversation, yet it will be one of the most important discussions you, your loved one, and other family members will have. Ideally, this conversation should take place as early as possible after receiving the diagnosis of early onset Alzheimer’s. This allows for your loved one to be part of the conversation, as their wishes and decisions need to be communicated. Knowing what their wishes are alleviates a tremendous amount of stress for all involved.

The Gayle Wells Foundation for Early Onset Alzheimer’s & Care can help facilitate these discussions as well as provide guidance to ensure that wishes and plans are in place. Making these decisions early can bring a sense of relief and comfort to all involved.