The days following a funeral can be difficult. It’s often after this event that the loss becomes more real and the grieving process begins. If someone you love has lost someone, you may look for ways to provide support. To help you care for your friend during this difficult time, here are some ways to be there for them.

How to Help a Friend After a Funeral

1. Show You Care

After a funeral, your grieving loved one may feel alone, so they need to know that you care about them and their state of mind. You can demonstrate this through actions such as preparing their favorite meal or planning an outing or trip together. If you don’t live nearby, gestures such as sending cards through the mail and texts to check up on them show that you’re thinking about their well-being.

2. Offer Assistance

There may be days after the funeral when your grieving loved one needs to take care of tasks they aren’t up for. For example, they might need to clean the house or manage the deceased’s affairs. Whether it’s mowing their lawn or helping them find an attorney to counsel them through the probate process, make sure you offer assistance for handling issues that arise.

3. Share Memories

After a funeral, the one you love may want to talk about the deceased. This is often a way of acknowledging the loss. Be there for them and discuss the person and their impact. Everyone handles grief differently, however, so wait for them to bring up the person who passed, since they might also want to avoid the topic.

4. Send Flowers on Milestones 

As time passes, let your loved one know that you remember their loss by sending them flowers on certain dates. Such days may include a month or a year after the loss, or their loved one’s birthday. These dates may be particularly hard for those who’ve lost someone, so knowing you acknowledge them will help your friend feel like they have people to rely on.

The caring and compassionate professionals at Adzima Funeral Home in Stratford, CT, can assist with funeral planning. Their staff is available to answer your questions and provide support during this difficult time. They offer pre-planning arrangements, body transportation, obituary writing, and resources to support grieving loved ones. Learn more about providing grief support on their website or call (203) 375-2200 to discuss your needs.