Abstract

GOMES, Simone Santana et al. The process of mourning for the loss of a son in an elderly caregiver of a chronic patient. Psicol. hosp. (São Paulo) [online]. 2015, vol.13, n.1, pp. 64-90. ISSN 1677-7409.

This case study aimed at understanding the grieving process for the loss of a child in an elderly caregiver of a chronic patient. Sixteen brief psychotherapy sessions were held at home. Mourning was understood as a process permeated with pain and addiction, especially due to the intense bond established between mother and child, lack of representation for this type of loss and the occurrence of this situation among the other losses during aging. It was found that the grieving process has no defined time period and that its psychic process does not necessarily result in melancholy. The work of caregivers, in the circumstance of the loss of a child, can be slow and partial, especially when the loss occurs abruptly. The caregiver role as a positive factor during this process was confirmed and psychotherapy as a possible aid in helping a person to cope with this symbolic process of this loss, especially given the social necessity of combating in the light of social requirements to combat sadness in current times.

Keywords : Mourning; Elderly; Caregivers.

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