How to support step mum

[Funkyslippers]

My dad died quite suddenly on Christmas Eve. Obviously I'm finding it hard to get by without him but am slowly getting stronger. However my step mum's head is all over the place, she's hardly sleeping plus the fact that she misses him terribly as they were together for nearly 30 years and very happy. Whenever I speak to her she's in floods of tears. I feel so helpless being an hour's drive away and working, plus having 2 DDs to look after. I've said to her that she can ring me anytime for a chat (I ring her most days) and I'm very involved with his funeral arrangements/Will etc. Just wondering how else I can be there for her - any ideas would be very helpful. Thanks

[Sinjistalk]

Sorry for your loss. It sounds to me like you are supporting your step mum really well. I’m not sure there is anything else you can do except calling & visiting when you can. Helping your step mum with practicalities must be a great comfort to her too. Hopefully you will both be able to lean on each other.

[KaptenKrusty]

How sad for you all - sorry for your loss!

Maybe helping her get out of the house more would be good and encouraging her to be social - I know my MIL went quite reclusive after her DH dies - we were worried as there was long periods where she wouldn't leave the house for days - and that's awful for your mental state!

Is there anyone nearer where she lives that you could ask to pop in for a cup of tea or take her out for a few hours when you aren't about??

[Funkyslippers]

Thanks for the replies. She has quite a few friends that they knew as a couple so I don't think she's feeling too confident about seeing them just at the moment as it upsets her too much. She's just finding the evenings so quiet and lonely without him.

[Drum2018]

Could she come and stay with you for the odd weekend - that way at least she'll have something to focus on. Not sure what else you can do. It's just too early days for her and she needs to find her way through the grief - you can't do it for her. Have a look online to see if there are any bereavement groups in her area - it might be of interest to her at a later stage when she feels a bit stronger.