Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton Annual Golf Classic Raises More Than $140,000 for Patient Care and Services
The Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton Annual Golf Classic raised more than $140,000 for patient care…
When someone dies, many people struggle with what to say to grieving family members or friends. They want to help and support the bereaved, but they don’t know how to do so. Sometimes, they make insensitive, judgmental comments that are offensive and hurtful. Or, they don’t say anything at all because they simply don’t know what to say.
“Those who are grieving need to know you are there for them and care for them,” said Deb Holt, a bereavement counseling professional with Ohio’s Hospice. “You can bring comfort to someone who is grieving by sitting with that person and listening to them.”
People are very supportive before and during the funeral. But after the funeral, the three C’s — cards, casseroles and calls — stop. “The funeral is not the hardest part,” Holt said. “The grief gets harder the month after the funeral.”
When the cards, casseroles and calls stop, friends and family should continue to provide support throughout the year. “You can provide so much comfort to the grieving person by listening, sharing memories of the deceased and celebrating that person’s life,” Holt said.
Becky Graham, a volunteer with Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton’s grief counseling groups, agrees with Holt. Graham’s husband, Dick, died under hospice care after battling lung cancer. “It is so special when a friend or family members talks about your loved one,” said Graham, who had been married to her husband for 27 years. “Sure, it brings tears to our eyes. But it’s not a bad thing.”
She recommends encouraging the grieving person to talk about the loss of his or her loved one. “Most all, be a good listener,” she said. “It’s so special and comforting when friends stop by to talk and listen or call you on the phone.”
When trying to comfort a grieving person, Holt recommends five things to avoid.
To support a grieving person, Holt recommend five things you can do.
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