Hemet Valley Recovery Center & Sage Retreat maintains our unwavering commitment to providing comprehensive and compassionate care for every client who comes to us needing treatment. We understand that people of all ages and backgrounds experience addiction and mental health struggles. As a CARF-accredited, hospital-based treatment facility, our mission is to provide the necessary support to help clients regain their balance and enjoy a healthier, more fulfilling life.
One crucial aspect of mental health we can help our clients address is grief, a complex emotion that affects everyone differently. Though grief is a universal experience, there are unique nuances for older adults. As the losses of friends and loved ones accumulate over the years, it can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. Fewer opportunities to socialize, coupled with cognitive changes, can cause older adults to face an increased risk of mental and behavioral health concerns.
Why Do Older People Grieve Differently?
Grief can be overwhelming at any age, but it is uniquely challenging for older adults, especially those already dealing with poor physical and mental health. As peers pass away, the world can begin to feel smaller, and sadness and isolation can become more pronounced.
Furthermore, the confusion that sometimes accompanies cognitive decline can complicate grief. Appetite loss, disrupted sleep and increased stress levels intensify, making the grief journey more challenging. Older adults who turn to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate these issues can compound their mental and physical health problems.
How HVRC Addresses Grief in Older Adults
At HVRC, we strive to understand and address these unique challenges with a compassionate, non-judgmental approach. We aim to help our older clients navigate their grief journey by providing them with the necessary tools and a supportive environment that fosters healing. Our older adult treatment program allows clients in the 55+ age group to flourish in an age-specific setting surrounded by their peers.
In addition to our addiction treatment programs, we offer comprehensive therapy options that address co-occurring conditions, including grief and loss. We provide hospital-grade diagnostic services and individualized treatment plans, carefully considering each person’s unique health circumstances, emotional state and overall needs.
Our highly trained staff offer comforting, effective techniques to help our clients work through their grief. We encourage open discussions about loss and provide safe spaces for expressing complicated emotions. This supportive environment allows our older clients to process their feelings of loss and loneliness, bolstering their mental and emotional resilience.
Aging, Grief and the Journey to Resilience
Loss and grief are inevitable parts of getting older, but they don’t have to lead to a path of despair. At HVRC, we believe older adults can successfully navigate these challenges and find a renewed sense of purpose and joy.
We are here to provide medical and emotional support on every step of your healing journey. Please feel free to reach out to us if you or your loved ones are grappling with grief and related issues such as substance use.
