Compassionate Care: Supporting Families Through the Funeral Process

Grief is very personal, and each of us walks our own road to get through it. For some, preparing for a funeral is a very painful affair; others may be more stoic and muddle through while preparing to grieve later when they are alone. So, how can we as friends and family members supports others who are preparing for a funeral? In today’s blog we will give you a few suggestions.

Offer to Help

Whether by calling or dropping by, convey the message that you are available to help. Ask if you can help to make any arrangements or if they need help. Some people who are grieving do not want to talk on the phone, but you can still leave a phone message or a little card on the door.

Use Your Expertise

Offer something that you are good at. For example, if you are very organized, then maybe they could use some help with the logistics of everything. If you are a writer, then offer to help write an obituary. If you are good at keeping someone company, ask if the person who has suffered the loss would like company to go to the funeral home and sign papers or make arrangements or would like to be chauffeured around.

Bring Food

It may sound like an old cliché, but in many cultures, bringing food to the home of those who have suffered a loss is the right thing to do. When people are grief-stricken, they often do not feel like food shopping, cooking, and eating, but not eating makes you feel worse. Bring food in disposable containers that can be thrown out afterwards. If you’re not much of a cook yourself, then you can always get a prepared tray from a local grocer with cold cuts or fruit or cheese.

Remember the “After”

Remember that the grief does not stop the day of the cremation or burial. It can continue a long time. Months, or even years. Drop by or call on your friends from time to time because they will likely benefit from your company a month or two after the funeral. In the weeks that follow, all the out-of-town visitors go home, but the grief is still present. 

If you would like to talk about planning a funeral, please feel free to call us on the Lower Mainland at (604) 463-8121. Good funeral homes will be very compassionate and supportive during your time of loss. 

Maple Ridge Funeral Chapel and Crematorium, based in Maple Ridge, British Columbia, provides has been providing compassionate funeral services on the Lower Mainland for over 60 years. We have deep roots in the community and take great pride in caring ethics and exemplary service. If you have any questions about this article or would like to talk to us about funeral services, please call us at (604) 463-8121.