Saturday, July 18, 2009

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.



1 comment:

Diane J Standiford said...

Great advice. Just standing by helps. Just be there.