How to Support Someone Through Grief and Loss

Grief is not just about death. It can come from the loss of routine, health, mobility, connection, identity, or even safety. For people with disability, chronic illness, or trauma

histories, grief can show up in many forms, and it is not always easy to recognise.

As carers, support workers, and allied health professionals, we are often walking beside people who are grieving. We may not always have the right words, but we can still offer meaningful support.

What Grief Might Look Like

Grief is deeply personal. It might show up as:

• Withdrawal or isolation

• Changes in appetite or sleep

• Increased agitation or emotional outbursts

• Forgetfulness or fatigue

• Seeming “shut down” or disinterested

• Loss of interest in things they used to enjoy

Grief does not follow a neat timeline. People may grieve in waves, or for a long time. Some people may not show outward signs at all.

Practical Ways to Support Someone Who Is Grieving

You do not need to fix it. You just need to show up. Here are five gentle ways to offer support:

Support Strategy	What It Looks Like in Practice
Hold space	Sit quietly with the person. Let them cry, talk, or say nothing at all.
Use open language	Avoid clichés. Say things like “That sounds really hard” or “I am here for you.”
Offer small choices	Ask if they want to take a break, go outside, or choose their activity.
Acknowledge the loss	Even if it seems small to others, say “I know this meant a lot to you.”
Stay present over time	Keep checking in weeks or months later. Grief does not end after one conversation.

Grief and Disability Support

People with disability may experience grief around:

• Losing a support worker or routine

• Changes in health or mobility

• Being excluded or misunderstood

• Life transitions such as moving homes or graduating programs

• The emotional toll of being in care systems

Support workers and carers often play a central role in helping the person process these changes.

Final Thought

Grief is not something to rush or solve. It is something to walk alongside.

When we meet people in their sadness with patience, safety, and compassion, we give them the space to heal in their own time.