Helping Someone Grieve

I'm always at a loss about what to do when a friend or acquaintance has lost a dear one. Positive Aging Resource Center supplied me with practical suggestions and I will be forever grateful:

1. Listen, hug, take a walk together

2. Help with practical tasks like bringing dinner, running errands, helping with housework

3. Give them space to be either alone or with others

4. Don't be judgmental on how a person chooses to grieve--one may want to talk while someone else might prefer the distraction of a movie

Later on...

1. Continue to call, visit and send cards

2. Remember the anniversary of the death and do something special

3. Extend invitations during holidays and special occasions

For more on Grief and Bereavement, check out this site.