Global Grief Network logoGGN Non-Death Loss and Identity Grief
Global Grief Network Education Center
Module 2 of 6

Health, Ability, and Independence

About 1 hour

If you or someone you know may be in danger right nowCall 988Text 988Immediate danger: call 911

988 is the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the United States. It is free, confidential, and open 24/7 by call, text, or chat at 988lifeline.org. Veterans: dial 988 then press 1. Outside the US, use your local emergency number or crisis line. This program is education, not crisis care. If you are struggling as you read, please pause and reach out now.

Lessons in this module
  1. Changes in the body
  2. Losing independence
  3. Dignity and choice

Objectives

By the end of this module you will be able to:

Lesson

Changes in the body

A diagnosis, injury, chronic illness, or aging can change what the body can do. People may grieve their former body, energy, appearance, or plans.

Losing independence

Needing help with driving, daily tasks, or decisions can bring grief for freedom and privacy. It can also change relationships, as loved ones take on caregiving roles.

Dignity and choice

Supporters can protect dignity by asking before helping, offering choices, and focusing on what the person can still do and enjoy. Adaptive tools and new routines can open doors.

GGN reminder: Your worth is not measured by what your body can do.
GGN practiceCan still and would like (about 10 minutes)

Write three things you or someone you support can still do and enjoy, and one thing you would like to adapt so it is possible again. If this brings up pain, pause and reach out to someone you trust, or call or text 988.

Fictional storyFictional Story 2.1: The car keys

When Mrs. Okafor could no longer drive safely, her son took her car keys. She felt angry and humiliated. Later, her granddaughter offered to drive her to the market every Saturday, and Mrs. Okafor chose the route.

Questions to consider:

  1. What was Mrs. Okafor grieving?
  2. How did her granddaughter support dignity?

Discussion: She was grieving independence and control. Her granddaughter offered a choice and a role, which helped protect her dignity.

Reflection Prompts

  1. How has your body or ability changed?
  2. What does independence mean to you?
  3. How can you protect someone's dignity while helping?

Module 2 Quiz

Choose one answer per question, then check your answers. You need 4 of 5 correct to pass, and every critical item must be correct. You can retake it any time.