HELPING A FRIEND COPE WITH LOSS

Above all, just listening and showing your concern, along with your presence, will be of great help to your friend.

Before the funeral

  1. Offer to notify his/her family and friends about funeral arrangements
  2. Help answer the phone and greet visitors
  3. Keep a record of everyone who calls, visits, or has been contacted
  4. Help coordinate the food and drink supply
  5. Offer to pick up friends and family at the airport and arrange housing
  6. Offer to provide transportation for out-of-town visitors
  7. Help him/her keep the house cleaned and the dishes washed

After the funeral

  1. Prepare or provide dinner on a day that is mutually acceptable every week for two to three months
  2. Offer to help with yard chores such as watering or pruning
  3. Feed and exercise the pets, if any
  4. Write notes offering encouragement and support
  5. Offer to drive or accompany him/her to the cemetery regularly
  6. Offer to house sit so he/she can get away or visit family out of town
  7. Make a weekly run to the grocery store, laundry, or cleaners
  8. Help with the “Thank You” notes and/or other correspondence
  9. Anticipate difficult periods such as birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and the day of death
  10. Always mention the deceased by name and encourage reminiscing