Losing a spouse after such a long marriage is a profound loss. Here’s how you can approach working with a widow/er in this situation:

Acknowledge their grief:

• Validate their feelings. Let them know it’s okay to feel overwhelmed, sad, angry, or any other emotion they experience.
• Grief is a personal journey, there’s no right or wrong way to grieve [2].

Offer support:

• Be a listening ear. Sometimes just having someone to talk to can be a huge comfort.
• Encourage them to share stories and memories of their spouse.
• Offer practical help with errands, meals, or household chores.

Respect their boundaries:

• Understand they might need time alone to grieve.
• Don’t pressure them to move on too quickly.
• Be patient as they navigate this difficult time.

Connect them with resources:

• Suggest grief counseling or support groups where they can connect with others who understand their loss [2].
• Provide information on resources for daily living if they need assistance managing finances or legal matters.

Here are some additional tips:

• Be patient. Grief takes time.
• Don’t avoid talking about the deceased spouse. Mentioning their spouse’s name shows you care.
• Offer hope for the future. While it doesn’t diminish the current pain, you can gently suggest they might find new ways to connect and enjoy life.

Remember, you don’t have to have all the answers. Being a compassionate and supportive presence can make a big difference during this challenging time.