Before the Funeral…
- Offer to notify his family and friends about funeral arrangements
- House-sit to prevent burglaries during the funeral and visitations
- Help answering the phone and greeting visitors
- Keep a record of everyone who calls, visits or has been contacted
- Help coordinate the food and drink supply
- Offer to pick up friends and family at the airport. Arrange housing
- Offer to provide transportation for out-of-town visitors
- Help him keep the house cleaned and the dishes washed
After the Funeral…
- Prepare or provide dinner on a day that is mutually acceptable
- Do the step above every week for two to three months
- Offer to help with yard chores such as watering or pruning
- Feed and exercise the pets, if any
- Write notes offering encouragement and support
- Offer to drive or accompany him to the cemetery regularly
- Offer to house sit so he can get away or visit family out of town
- Make a weekly run to the grocery store, laundry, or cleaners
- Help with the Thank You notes and/or other correspondence
- Anticipate difficult periods such as anniversaries, birthdays, holidays, and the day of
death - Always mention the deceased by name and encourage reminiscing
Above all, just listening and your concern and presence will help.
What's Related
- When a Loved One Has Bipolar Disorder
- Tips for Friends and Family of Someone with an Eating Disorder
- What To Do if a Family Member Has an Eating Disorder
- Rubin’s Love Scale and Rubin’s Liking Scale
- If Someone You Know Has a Problem with Alcohol
- Coping With Denial in Eating Disorders
- Depression versus The Blues
- The 3 Myths of Grief and Children
- How Psychotherapy Helps People Recover From Depression
- Supporting Friends and Family Who Have Mental Illnesses
- Other articles by Tom Gray
Last reviewed:
On November 4, 2006
By John M. Grohol, Psy.D.
