Supporting Grieving Family Members in the Age of Social Distancing

March 19, 2024

Supporting grieving family members is a difficult task and social distancing has made that task even harder. Fortunately, there are still plenty of ways to show your support.

Supporting grieving family members is a difficult task and social distancing has made that task even harder.


However, this does not mean that grief and loss are taking a break. On the contrary, the fact that we are more isolated now means that it is more important than ever to reach out to and support those who are grieving.


Fortunately, there are still plenty of ways to show your support.

  1. Help with funeral arrangements. Planning a funeral is a difficult task. If you can’t be there in person, you can still support your loved one in these decisions. If the decisions are made via phone call, offer to be on the call with them. Also, reassure your loved one that even though having a funeral service may feel difficult, it is still possible and even beneficial at this time.
  2. Phone calls. Never underestimate the value of a listening ear. Don’t forget to call and check in frequently.
  3. Video chats. If you have the capability, video chatting can be a great tool.
  4. Have a meal delivered. If you can’t prepare food to take to your loved one during this time, you can contact a local restaurant to provide a food delivery.
  5. Have groceries delivered. If you know their grocery preferences, place an order for them for delivery. Include easy to prepare meals in the delivery.
  6. Schedule to have someone take care of routine tasks. There may still be services available that are doing routine tasks such as dog walking or laundry care.
  7. Send a letter, email or ecard. Sending a heartfelt message is a great way to show your love and support.
  8. Send flowers. Many flower delivery services are still operating and can safely deliver flowers to a loved one’s home.
  9. Drop off a care package or have something delivered. You might be able to drop off some special items that your loved one appreciates or have them delivered.
  10. Do something together "virtually.” So many places are providing free online content right now. Take a virtual museum trip together. Pick out a movie to watch together. Try out a new recipe together. Use a program like Facetime, Zoom or GoToMeeting to share your experience live on your computer, tablet or smart phone.

Want to Ask a Question?

March 25, 2024
Life's journey is marked by unexpected twists and turns, and with them, our plans and priorities can change. One such plan that often undergoes revision is the choice of a final resting place. Many individuals purchase cemetery plots with the best intentions, but circumstances can evolve, leading to a situation where that plot is no longer needed. Whether it's a shift in burial preferences, relocation, or changes in family dynamics, knowing what steps to take in such a scenario is crucial. In this article, we will explore the compassionate and practical considerations surrounding what to do if you find yourself no longer in need of a cemetery plot you've previously acquired.
March 25, 2024
Losing a loved one is undoubtedly one of life's most challenging experiences. During such a time, the funeral service plays a significant role in helping families cope with their grief and say their final goodbyes. Personalizing a funeral service allows families to create a meaningful and memorable event that reflects the unique personality and life of the deceased.
March 25, 2024
When it comes to expressing condolences and offering comfort to grieving families, few gestures are as universally understood and appreciated as sending flowers to a funeral. In this article, we will offer expert advice and guidance on how to select and send the perfect flowers to a funeral. Whether you're a family member, friend, or colleague, this guide will help you express your sympathy and support in a meaningful way.
March 25, 2024
In our ever-evolving digital world, the way we communicate has transformed drastically. This includes how we offer condolences when someone loses a loved one. Social media platforms have become a common space for expressing sympathy and offering support during times of grief. However, it's essential to do so with care and respect. In this article, we'll delve into the etiquette of sharing condolences on social media.
March 25, 2024
Coping with the loss of a loved one is one of the most challenging and painful experiences a person can endure. Dealing with the death of a family member or close friend can be overwhelming, and the journey of healing is deeply personal. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution to navigating grief, there are small daily steps that can help you cope and gradually find your way towards healing. This article will provide guidance on these daily steps, drawing upon our staff's expertise in funeral services, grief counseling, and compassion for those who are grieving.
March 25, 2024
The process of planning a funeral is undoubtedly challenging, as it involves not only making arrangements for the deceased but also deciding who should attend the service. The guest list is a crucial aspect of any funeral, as it plays a significant role in ensuring that the event is meaningful and provides support to grieving friends and family members.
March 25, 2024
In the wake of a loved one's passing, the process of saying goodbye can be one of the most challenging experiences in life. Besides the grief of losing someone near and dear, loved ones are faced with planning a funeral and burial. Among the many decisions that need to be made, choosing the right headstone is a deeply personal and significant choice.
March 25, 2024
In the solemn and emotionally charged context of a funeral, the question of whether it's a good idea to bring a child is one that many families grapple with. Taking a child to a funeral can teach them about empathy and the importance of supporting loved ones during difficult times, fostering emotional growth and understanding that will serve them throughout life. It also allows them to find closure after the passing of someone close. On the other hand, it may be advisable to avoid taking a child to a funeral if they are too young to understand death or mourn appropriately or if it risks causing distress.
March 25, 2024
Funerals serve to honor the deceased, provide closure, and support grieving individuals. They offer a structured space for emotional expression, memory-sharing, and cultural or religious traditions. Funerals have deep historical roots, originating in ancient civilizations like Egypt and Rome. These rituals evolved to honor and remember the deceased, often with religious or cultural significance. Over centuries, funeral customs adapted, reflecting changing beliefs and attitudes toward death, but the core purpose of paying tribute endures.
March 25, 2024
In the realm of funeral and memorial services, one of the most poignant and personal ways to remember a departed loved one is through memorial jewelry. More than just an accessory, memorial jewelry is a tangible connection to the past and a source of comfort in the present. Join us as we delve into the myriad benefits of memorial jewelry, a cherished companion on the path of remembrance and healing.
More Posts