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How to support bereaved friend - practical advice

31 replies

crochetmonkey74 · 04/11/2024 21:21

Hello my friend has had a very traumatic bereavement. I want to support her. I have read lots on here about not asking what to do, just doing it but I need some help in exactly HOW to do this. I know about dropping food off and will do that, likewise continuing to text each day etc. I can't do something like turn up and do the laundry without asking or send her off for a bath. She is in a neurodiverse house so things would stress her out more, likewise her children are ND so I can't just say I'll sit with them as they aren't comfortable with anyone beyond their parents.
What are things I can do practically that are respectful of boundaries but useful. So far I have food deliveries, regular messaging, I'll do regular cards and notes to keep contact. They don't have a garden so garden jobs are not an area I could help. Any insights? I'd really like to do this properly . Thank you in advance

OP posts:
crochetmonkey74 · 04/11/2024 21:33

BashfulClam · 04/11/2024 21:32

A care package with clean socks and payjsmas and underwear and food. Washing etc can fall behind when you are struggling. Maybe offer to pick up and do washing for them, organise a food shop etc.

Good idea. I'd have to do this unbidden , she would struggle to delegate jobs to me, which is why I need sort of self contained but helpful ones

OP posts:
crochetmonkey74 · 04/11/2024 21:32

BlueMum16 · 04/11/2024 21:31

I lost my DF suddenly though and accident at work. My life saver was a friend I called every single day at 9.15am after school run who listened, supported and made me laugh.

I didn't need the practical stuff you mention.as that was a distraction. I needed someone to listen to me, validate my feelings that day and also to take the piss and be normal

Just be there as a friend.

Useful insight, thank you.

OP posts:
BashfulClam · 04/11/2024 21:32

A care package with clean socks and payjsmas and underwear and food. Washing etc can fall behind when you are struggling. Maybe offer to pick up and do washing for them, organise a food shop etc.

crochetmonkey74 · 04/11/2024 21:31

Snowpaw · 04/11/2024 21:29

You sound a very kind friend. Personally I would find daily texts plus notes and cards a bit much and I'd feel like I had to respond and it would stress me out. Especially if I had kids to look after too. Maybe just check in every few days. But she might want that close support, and we're all different. Play it by ear based on her responses.

Yup will do. The cards and notes I just mean when it's appropriate etc. I more want non intrusive practical support ideas. I'm good at not being too much, I'll definitely respond to her cues so as not to overwhelm etc

OP posts:
BlueMum16 · 04/11/2024 21:31

I lost my DF suddenly though and accident at work. My life saver was a friend I called every single day at 9.15am after school run who listened, supported and made me laugh.

I didn't need the practical stuff you mention.as that was a distraction. I needed someone to listen to me, validate my feelings that day and also to take the piss and be normal

Just be there as a friend.

Snowpaw · 04/11/2024 21:29

You sound a very kind friend. Personally I would find daily texts plus notes and cards a bit much and I'd feel like I had to respond and it would stress me out. Especially if I had kids to look after too. Maybe just check in every few days. But she might want that close support, and we're all different. Play it by ear based on her responses.