One challenging part of losing a loved one is telling others about their death, especially when you’re managing your own grief. In addition to informing your closest family members, you may also have to talk to their friends, employers, and casual acquaintances, each of whom may react differently. Below are a few tips for delivering the news gracefully.

How to Inform Others When Someone Has Died

1. Enlist Help

One tough aspect of informing others about a loss is having the same conversation and answering the same questions repeatedly. To lighten the burden, ask a few friends or loved ones to break the news to others in your circle. They can also help by talking to people in your loved one’s life that you may not know very well.

2. Be Personal

It’s always best to deliver news of a death in person, so you can give others the support and compassion they need. Of course, this isn’t always practical, especially if the deceased had close friends or family members far away. If you can’t visit someone in person, schedule a phone call, which is more personal than a text or email.

3. Speak Simply

Hearing that a loved one has died is often a shock, so most people can only take in a few pieces of information. Try to speak simply and don’t overload the person with details. Of course, answer any questions they have honestly, but know that you may have to repeat yourself a few times.

4. Make Room for Different Responses

Everyone responds to grief differently, so be ready for a variety of responses. Some will want you to stay and reminisce about the loved one you’ve lost, while others may need to be alone. After saying what you need to say, try to read their cues and respond appropriately so they can begin to process their grief.

For over a century, the compassionate funeral directors at Mihovk-Rosenacker Funeral Home have helped families throughout Cincinnati, OH, process their grief and memorialize the loved ones they’ve lost. They understand how daunting planning a funeral service can be, so they’ll guide you through every step and handle the details. Visit their website to learn more about helping others with grief, or call (513) 385-0511 to schedule a tour of their facilities.