Dementia UK shares expert advice from its dementia specialist Admiral Nurses on navigating grief, bereavement and loss. The death of someone close is one of the most difficult experiences many will face. Everyone reacts and feels differently, but the grieving process involves making sense of what has happened and adjusting to life without the person who has died. Common feelings include, sadness, despair, denial and anger.
Dementia is the leading cause of death in the UK and one in two of us will be affected by dementia in our lifetime. Either by caring for someone with the condition, developing it ourselves, or both.
People who care for someone living with dementia may also experience ‘
Amy and Chloe who cared for their Mum
The latest series of Dementia UK’s ‘My life with dementia’ podcast features an interview with sisters Amy and Chloe Lambert. In the episode, the siblings discuss the impact of their mum’s diagnosis and the feelings of grief that followed. Their mum, Sarah, was diagnosed with Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) at 47 years old, they were just 12 and 18 at the time. Sarah sadly passed away in November 2021 following a brain haemorrhage.
Jules Minter also features in the podcast series; she cared for both her parents who were both living with dementia. She speaks candidly about but how she managed the loss of her mum, who died in February 2025 while continuing to care for her dad, who died just 6 months later.
Tips for managing grief following dementia
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Be patient with yourself – recognise your loss and how it will change your life, and allow yourself to grieve
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Try to get enough sleep, take exercise and eat regular meals
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Avoid making big decisions, like clearing out the person’s possessions or moving house
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Accept support from family and friends
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Think about activities that usually give you purpose and enjoyment, and how you can engage in them again
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Try to avoid social isolation – it may help to try new routines and activities such as writing, art, mindfulness, yoga or meditation
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Meet with others who are also going through a bereavement
Chloe Lambert said:“ The period after Mum died I felt a mix of shock, grief and adjustment. There isn’t a day goes by that I don’t think about her. And sometimes I catch myself thinking she will just come through the door again. For me, grief is a lingering emotion that doesn’t fade. I just live with it. Mum was, and always will be, my best friend.”
Jules Minter said: “I felt there wasn’t the opportunity to grieve Mum, because straightaway, my attention had to turn to Dad. He would ask if he could use his bus pass to visit Mum in heaven.
We kept Mum at home for three days after she died, which meant Dad could sit with her and process what had happened. But at Mum’s funeral, he asked who was in the coffin, and whether she would join us for dinner.”
Caroline Scates, Director of Nursing Services at Dementia UK, said: “Grief is different for everyone and feelings can come and go. If you love someone living with dementia, it is common to feel a sense of loss even before they have died. You might mourn the relationship you once had or feel that you no longer recognise them.
“Equally, processing the death of a loved one with dementia can bring with it complex feelings of guilt and loneliness – some people find that they feel a sense of relief, following a period of challenge and knowing that the person is at peace. Whatever emotion, you might be feeling, it is important to take care of your wellbeing during this time.”
Dementia UK’s latest podcast series, ‘My life with dementia’ is presented by Ted Lasso actor Kola Bokinni (lead photo). The podcast brings together real-life stories of people impacted by dementia alongside practical advice from the charity’s Admiral Nurses.
You can find out more about the podcast on the Dementia UK website: dementiauk.org/dementia-
Anyone affected by dementia can contact Dementia UK’s Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline on 0800 888 6678 or by emailing helpline@dementiauk.org
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About Dementia UK
Dementia UK is the specialist dementia nurse charity. The charity’s Admiral Nurses provide life-changing support for families affected by all forms of dementia.
Admiral Nurses work in hospitals, GP practices and local community and national services, including the charity’s national Helpline and virtual clinics, to provide clinical, emotional and practical support which enables people to live more positively with dementia.
For more information visit www.dementiauk.org, follow Dementia UK on Twitter: @DementiaUK, and on Facebook: www.facebook.com/DementiaUK
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