How To Support A Grieving Family

It's normal to feel anxious about talking to a family who is grieving. Sometimes we want to avoid approaching them deep down because we fear what to say or say something wrong or hurtful. Whether it's a close friend or family member, it's important not to be intimidated and understand that it is normal to be a little uncomfortable. Saying you are sorry for their loss and letting them know you are there for them may seem useless, and not telling them something other people already have. Being supportive is one of the best things you can do during a challenging situation. Below are four helpful tips on supporting a grieving family in a way that matters!

Learn below these four unique and meaningful ways to support a grieving family.

Sending a grieving family something they would enjoy shows them you care for them during this difficult time. Flowers for funerals may seem overrated, but if that is something you know the family will appreciate and enjoy, they are worth sending. Focusing on the family during this time, and not the opinions of others, is the best way to pick out a gift. If you think they would not enjoy flowers, or if that is something they already have gotten a lot of, there are other things to give them! Sending home-cooked meals or takeout if you are not a frequent chef is a great way to show them you care about their well-being and help them to take some time off cooking with their busy schedules. Send a unique customized item with their loved one on it, whether a necklace, photo album, blanket, or other remembrance items; they will cherish it forever. Sending a care basket, gift card, or personalized card or letter is also great.

Offering support to a grieving family involves more than words. Physical support shows the family you care about and are serious about helping them during a challenging time. Dealing with a loss can be hard, and the grieving process looks different for everyone. Some may find their physical appearance lacking or things around their home needing to be done. You can help those grieving by offering physical support as a supportive friend or family member. This includes cooking dinners, mowing the lawn, offering to clean up the house, dropping off/picking up the kids at school, giving them a place to stay, or lending a hand with other day-to-day tasks. These kind gestures and helpful hands go a long way and are appreciated more than you know.

Whether you are close to the grieving family or want to be, helping show them a new light by taking them somewhere will help get their mind off their current situation. Instead of just suggesting how you can help or giving them a gift, going out with them and taking their mind off a crappy situation will help them breathe fresh air and see more clearly. Nothing shows how appreciative you are than having friends or family members who are there for you and are willing to help. Whether this involves taking them to a physical location like a vacation, the beach, the park, for a walk or taking them back to their past to discuss the situation, both make great friends and family for grieving. If you are there for them and want to take them back down memory lane, be open with them and let them get into details about the person. Let them cry and sit in silence, and be sure to let them know this is normal and you are there for them. This is one of the best things you can do during a loss.

Like above, being present and in the moment with them is a great way to show them you care. Many people say they are "there for them", but what does that mean? Many people offer to help the grieving family if "they need anything" but often never check back to see how they are doing after the funeral. This is not helpful to grieving people, and their feelings are still important after the funeral. "Being there" for someone is more than words; it includes a few different things. Checking in and calling, physically showing up, hugging, and listening to them are just a few ways to mention being there for someone. Offering grief support and encouragement is another way to help them through this difficult time. Continuing to check in on them often and be present with them is more than just texting once or only offering help at the funeral or wake.

Whether you seek a meaningful funeral and burial service or grief support, our team is here. Hamel-Lydon Chapel and Cremation Services of Massachusetts knows the importance of a helping hand. We know that now more than ever, you need the support and love from those around you. Learn more about our services and grief support, and contact us today to get started.