My mother died quite unexpectedly, nearly two months ago and we arrived at the hospital too late, because everything happened so quickly.The next day, my husband was ill with a tummy bug and was quite unable to leave the house, so I had to deal with the death certificates and funeral arrangements all by myself.
Fortunately I knew just what needed to be done, having helped Mum to sort everything out seven years ago, when my father passed away. It certainly helps to know about the procedures and formalities which have to be negotiated on behalf of the deceased and if a friend recommends a good Funeral Director, then the funeral can take place with no problems.
I think that information on arranging a funeral and what to do when someone dies is just as important and helpful to people, as knowing about the every day problems of dementia. Being a little bit prepared for the inevitable, will at least make dealing with the practical issues easier, even though the pain of bereavement is still there.
It must be very hard to live so far away from the person being cared for and Jennifer has problems to solve which other people don't have to worry about.
Perhaps there needs to be another Forum which just deals with the practical issues facing bereaved people, so that anyone who finds the topic upsetting can opt out of reading it.
After losing a close relative, it would be good to be able to talk to people about it, but everyone tends to avoid the subject in conversation, which makes everything even harder. It is almost as though the person never existed and I would like to remember my Mum and keep her in my memories.
Kayla