The loss of a loved one is never easy, which is one of the reasons funeral homes offer so many helpful grief resources. As a friend, there are a variety of ways you can help a friend who is feeling the devastating effects of a friend or family member's passing. Here are a few ways to make yourself available and help them during this trying time.

How to Help a Grieving Friend

1. Offer to Help in Their Daily Life

Between handling arrangements with the funeral home and the family matters that crop up during the grieving process, life can get very overwhelming for those close to the deceased. Add in all the various stages of grief, and it soon becomes difficult to complete even the most menial of everyday tasks. Assisting your friend with their daily routine tasks will help immensely.

2. Communicate & Listen

In some cases, your friend may just need someone to talk to; whether it's about the loss they've just experienced or something else. While it may be tempting to use this opportunity to give advice about your own experiences with grief, you should save that for another time. The most helpful way to communicate in this particular situation is to listen; an open ear has a lot to offer those going through a tough time.

3. Stay in Touch

In many cases, those who are grieving aren't likely to be the ones who reach out. They may not let you know that they need help when you see them at the funeral home or any gatherings that follow. Making yourself available speaks volumes and reaching out on a regular basis will let them know you're someone they can turn to in both the best and worst of times.

Grief affects everyone differently, so it helps to have a good friend and the compassionate staff at Arndt Funeral Home, located in Monroe County, NY, by your side throughout the process. This locally owned, full-service funeral home has been helping area residents with funeral planning since 1975, and they also offer cremation services and pre-planning options. Visit them online for more about how they can help, or give them a call today at (585) 225-6350.