Anticipatory Grief: Caregiver Reflection
A reflective worksheet for caregivers experiencing anticipatory grief: naming feelings and ongoing losses, planning what to say or do, and identifying support needs.
1-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · Anticipatory grief
- Approach / concern
- Grief & Bereavement
- Technique
- Anticipatory grief
- Format
- Fillable PDF, 1 page (US Letter / A4)
- Access
- Pro and Advanced plans (3-day free trial)
- For
- Licensed clinicians to use with clients
- Updated
- October 2026
Key facts
What is the Anticipatory Grief: Caregiver Reflection?
Anticipatory grief is the grief experienced before an expected death or during a progressive illness. It can include mourning for losses that have already happened (abilities, roles, personality changes in dementia) and those to come. Caregivers often feel conflicting emotions, including guilt and relief.
Why it works
Family anticipatory grief is common and can affect caregiver wellbeing and bereavement outcomes (Coelho & Barbosa, 2017). Acknowledging pre-loss grief and supporting caregivers is an important part of palliative and dementia care (Rando, 2000).
When to use it
- Caregivers of people with dementia or terminal illness
- Palliative and hospice settings
- Family members of people with progressive conditions
- Pre-bereavement counselling
How to use it in session
- Normalize mixed and conflicting feelings.
- Name ongoing losses as real grief.
- Explore what the caregiver wants to say or do.
- Identify support needs and resources.
- Revisit as the illness progresses.
Clinician tips
- Validate relief and guilt without judgement.
- Connect caregivers with respite and support groups.
- Watch for caregiver burnout and depression.
Worked example
Sharing with clients
Members can download the PDF to print or email, or copy a private client link from the download box. Your client opens the link and downloads the worksheet on any device. No client account is needed, and nothing your client writes is stored on TherapyAid.
Frequently asked questions
Is it wrong to feel relief when caring for a dying loved one?
No. Relief is a common and understandable feeling, often reflecting love and exhaustion, not a lack of caring.
Does anticipatory grief make grief after death easier?
Not necessarily. It’s a different experience, and grief after the loss can still be intense.
References
Coelho, A., & Barbosa, A. (2017). Family anticipatory grief: An integrative literature review. American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, 34(8), 774-785.
Rando, T. A. (Ed.). (2000). Clinical dimensions of anticipatory mourning: Theory and practice in working with the dying, their loved ones, and their caregivers. Research Press.
This worksheet is an educational tool for use by, or under the guidance of, a licensed or registered mental-health professional. It is not a diagnostic instrument or a substitute for clinical judgement. If a client is in crisis in Canada, call or text 9-8-8 or call 9-1-1.
