17/05/2026
Anticipatory grief is the grief we may experience when we are already facing changes, uncertainty, or a future loss.
In dementia, grief can begin long before the end of life. Families and carers may grieve gradual changes in memory, communication, roles, independence, routines, and the relationship as it used to be.
This type of grief is common in dementia care because the person is still physically present, while parts of the relationship may feel different or changed. This can create mixed emotions, including sadness, worry, guilt, anger, numbness, love, gratitude, and exhaustion.
These feelings do not mean you are not coping. They are a normal response to ongoing loss, emotional stress, and deep love.
Support, connection, self-compassion, and having a safe space to talk can help carers feel less alone while navigating these changes.
If you are caring for someone living with dementia, please remember: you are not alone. đЎ
If this feels familiar, what is one small thing that has helped you feel supported?
FamilyCarers DementiaAwareness CounsellingSupport YouAreNotAlone