A 70‑year‑old woman's husband died from motor neurone disease after she cared for him at home for 3 years. She reports feeling relieved that the

Question

A 70‑year‑old woman's husband died from motor neurone disease after she cared for him at home for 3 years. She reports feeling relieved that the caregiving has ended, but is troubled by guilt about this relief. Is this a normal grief response?

Accepted Answer

Yes — relief after prolonged caregiving for an anticipated death is common and normal; guilt about feeling relieved is also common and should be normalised and validated

Answer

Her guilt about the relief suggests she was responsible for his death

Answer

She should experience only sadness following his death, never relief

Answer

The presence of relief indicates she did not love her husband

Answer

Relief following bereavement is always a sign of pathological grief and requires treatment

Relief and Guilt After Anticipated Death — SCE Palliative Medicine MCQ

A 70‑year‑old woman's husband died from motor neurone disease after she cared for him at home for 3 years. She reports feeling relieved that the caregiving has ended, but is troubled by guilt about this relief. Is this a normal grief response?