 | What Do I Do Now? Where Do I Start? A Resource Guide for Persons Who Have Experienced the Death of a Loved One Table of Contents |
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There are some extraordinary issues surrounding the death of a loved one who had a disability. These issues often put demands on us which further complicate some already complex grieving. You may wonder what you are going to do with all the time you spent caring for your loved one - how will you fill those hours. You may be worried about the volunteers who came to your house to help care for him/her - how will this death affect them? If the disability caused him/her to die at a young age, how do you explain it to the children in the family - this may be their first death experience, and they may be under the belief that "only old people die". One question that is asked by many families is, "What do I do with this equipment? I don't want to part with it, but it is breaking my heart to keep it here." It is difficult to see constant reminders that someone you love has died. Most personal property - books, clothing, footwear, can be given away to friends, family, and sometimes strangers who are in need. Medical equipment is sometimes more difficult to find a place for. A wheelchair is a very intimate part of someone who has used it for a long time. Indeed it is almost a part of their body. A mist generator, physiotherapy equipment, a glucometer, or an infusion pump may have been instrumental in keeping your loved one alive and now you no longer need it. This is a bit more involved than taking personal effects to the Salvation Army Thrift Store. It is perfectly acceptable to sell these items, especially if your family is financially burdened with funeral expenses. Another option is to sell the equipment and give the money to your favourite charity as a memorial donation. There are many families who will contact someone in the community to handle the arrangements of equipment disposal asking only that the items go to someone who truly needs them and cannot afford to buy them. If you have equipment that you would like to see benefit someone else in our community, please call the local Lions' Club to arrange for pick-up at an appropriate time. May your grieving be gentle. |
| What Do I Do Now? A Resource Guide for Persons Who Have Experienced the Death of a Loved One Table of Contents |
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