When a friend has suffered a loss, there will be many people offering condolences at the funeral service. If you're close to them, you probably want to do more, but many people aren't quite sure what the best way to help is. Here are a few ways you can help and support your loved one at the most difficult of times.

How to Help A Friend Beyond the Funeral Service

1. Listen Without Judgment

Grief isn't predictable or straightforward. It can include sadness, but also feelings of confusion, anger, fear, guilt, or even relief. Different emotions peak at different times, and recovery is not a smooth upward slope. Your friend needs to be able to express these feelings and needs to be reassured that it's all right to feel them. You should also be supportive at the times when they're happy, and understand that no two people have the same timeline for grieving.

2. Organize the Necessities

Grieving can interfere with your friend's daily routine and their ability or desire to do tasks. You can make their life simpler and ensure their physical needs are met by helping with their everyday routine. You can go shopping for them, buy or prepare meals, or help them with cleaning and childcare. They might even need help with tasks like funeral planning if they're feeling overwhelmed.

3. Stay Involved

Your friend will still be grieving long after the funeral service is over, and they will still need help. Continue to invite them to spend time with you, even if they don't accept your invitations at first. Over time, while they will continue to feel better, they will still have times of mourning, so be available and be sensitive to this possibility. They're especially likely to revisit these feelings around important dates like birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and the date of their loved one's death, so make a point to be there for them at those times.

For help planning a personalized and comforting funeral service, contact Gilligan Funeral Homes in Cincinnati, OH. Serving Hamilton County since 1877, these compassionate professionals are familiar with a wide range of traditions and will help you make the arrangements that are right for your family. Call (513) 891-8373 today or visit their website for any questions.