At HomeWatch CareGivers of Charlotte, we know grief touches every person and family differently. Whether it comes through the loss of a loved one, the transition of a parent into care, or a major life change, grief can feel overwhelming.

Part of our mission is to walk alongside families not only in times of care, but also in moments of loss and healing. Each of our team has experienced loss and recognize the difficult journey we are all experiencing.

Grief is universal, yet profoundly personal. It can arrive in waves, stir up unexpected emotions, and leave you feeling uncertain about the path forward. A song, a comment, a time of year, a smell….all can provoke feelings and memories. While there is no single “right” way to grieve, there are gentle steps you can consider taking to honor your loved one and your feelings, while caring for yourself.

Here are a few actionable ways to navigate grief with compassion and hope:

Create rituals of remembrance. Light a candle, share stories, or visit a meaningful place. These rituals give space for love and memory to remain part of daily life. You may not always be in a place to honor and remember, and that is ok. Listen to that, honor that, and accept that how you’re feeling at any given moment is ok.
Care for your body. Grief affects not only emotions but also physical well-being. Prioritize rest, hydration, nourishing meals, time outside, and movement. A short walk outdoors can restore calm and perspective. It may feel unnatural to prioritize care for yourself if you are used to placing others needs ahead of your own, but self-care is a critical component of care.
Community. Seek connection, as Isolation often deepens pain. Consider joining a grief support group, speaking with a counselor, or spending time with a trusted friend who will listen without judgment. Having lost a brother several years back, the thought of attending a grief support group back then was the last thing on my mind. Isolation was my preferred response. Now, a grief support community is something I appreciate and look forward to as it’s a helpful and positive experience with people who have faced similar challenges and felt similar emotions.
Set small goals. On heavy days, simple wins like making your bed, cooking a meal, going for a walk, or taking a shower can build momentum and resilience. Procrastination and inaction rarely lead to positive outcomes. A small goal may be simply recognizing your threshold has been reached and you listen to the messages your body is sharing. Instead of pushing thru and being a hero, politely decline the invite and prioritize yourself and what you need in that specific situation.
Embrace joy when it comes. Smiling, laughing, or enjoying a favorite activity doesn’t lessen your love for the person you’ve lost. Instead, it honors them by allowing your heart to remain open to life. After my brother’ passing, I used to feel guilt for still being here when he wasn’t, and guilt for being able to hug my wife and kids when he couldn't. Over time, this has changed and I’m more able to accept joy without the feelings of guilt following right behind.

If you or someone you know is navigating grief, please communicate with your Health Care Professional(s), call the helplines numbers below, or call 911 if its an emergency.

You’re not alone.

One day at a time…

The following resources may provide additional support:

NC Funeral Directors Association – 336 905 8202
Hospice & Palliative Care of the Charlotte Region – 704-375-0100
Also, several churches offer grief support sand recovery groups, including online options. Please contact us and we would be happy to help you find a group close to your home.
GriefShare – Community-based support groups nationwide.
Hospice Foundation of America – Resources and guidance for grief and end-of-life transitions.
National Alliance for Children’s Grief – Specialized support for children coping with loss.
The Dougy Center – A respected resource for families and children grieving.

At Homewatch CareGivers of Charlotte, we believe healing takes courage, compassion, and community.

If your family is in or about to enter a season of transition, we are here to support you—with care, with presence, and with respect for your journey.