Due to the current social distancing guidelines, you may be unable to attend a loved one’s funeral. If you’re unsure about what to do during this unexpected scenario, follow the tips below.

What to Do If You’re Unable to Attend a Funeral Because of COVID-19

1. Communicate Interest

Reach out to the family to express your desire to honor their loved one. If you feel comfortable, ask if the service will be recorded or streamed so that you can pay your respects. Many funeral homes are allowing services to be live-streamed to accommodate friends and family members who are adhering to the social distancing guideline.

2. Send a Care Package

If you can’t meet with the family, let them know you care by sending them something in the mail. Include a sympathy card that expresses your condolences and send baked goods or small treats to lift their mood. You can also include a gift certificate to a food delivery service, so that they won’t have to cook for a while.

3. Provide a Donation

If you would have spent money on a plane ticket, gas, or hotel room to attend the funeral, redirect some of these funds by sending the family a beautiful flower arrangement. Another way to support the family is to enclose a monetary gift in a mailed sympathy card. This will help them pay for funeral costs and other expenses. You can also make a donation in the deceased’s name to a charity that supports a cause they cared about.

If you need a way to support your loved ones through this challenging time, Mihovk-Rosenacker Funeral Home of Cincinnati, OH, is ready to help. Select a thoughtful, uplifting volume from their bookstore and have it shipped directly to a friend or family member in mourning. This funeral home understands how difficult the loss of a loved one can be, especially during a pandemic, and it offers several resources to help families cope with their losses. For more information about how you can help, send a message online or call (513) 385-0511.