When someone you love is facing the death of a friend or family member, it can be challenging to know how to help. After the funeral, your loved one may be faced with weeks, months, or even years of personal grieving, so it helps to be on the lookout for ways to lighten their burden.

How Can You Help Someone After a Loss?

1. Focus on Listening

While offering comforting words is a natural reaction, sometimes the less you say, the better. Grief is a complicated emotion, and people may be more prone to take offense if you offer words of advice. For instance, you may try to relate to the loss by sharing a personal story, but if the relationship wasn’t similar, it could hurt the person’s feelings. Instead, focus on lending a listening ear and a shoulder whenever you can, and focus less on talking and more on listening.

2. Offer Distractions

After the funeral has passed and your friend or relative has had some time to grieve, consider offering some lighthearted distractions. Invite them out on a walk or an outing to their favorite store. Or, ask if they'd like to come over to watch a movie at your house, or volunteer to make them dinner. These simple suggestions could help them find their "new normal."

3. Pitch in Whenever You Can

Since it can be hard for someone who's grieving to ask for help, offer help instead. Think of what they may need on a day-to-day basis, and pitch in wherever you can. Whether this means taking their kids to school or getting their dogs out of the house for a walk, small efforts can make a big difference for someone who's struggling.

Coping with the loss of a friend or family member can be difficult, which is why Frederick Funeral Home is always available to help. With a focus on compassion and professionalism, there’s a reason this funeral home has been trusted for more than 85 years by families throughout the Colerain Township of Cincinnati, OH. To learn more about their commitment to excellence, visit their website or call (513) 522-3700.