The best thing you can do for someone in mourning – anything!

When a friend or loved one is grieving, many of us say, “let me know if there’s anything I can do.” While the sentiment here is genuine (you really do want to do something nice for them,) it also shifts the burden onto the grieving person. In the throes of grief, that person may not even know what they need.

Instead, pick something within your capabilities and just do it! Maybe bring a casserole over for dinner on a weeknight. You could also come mow their lawn or do a couple loads of laundry or pick up some groceries. During such a difficult time, they’re probably not going to be great at gauging what needs they have. Pick something nice to do for them and just do it!

If your grieving friend or loved one is a resident at one of Hillside Terrace’s community for assisted living in Ann Arbor, please feel free to contact us at 734-761-4451. Our professional staff will be happy to assist you in any way possible.

The common phrase to avoid telling a grieving person

“He’s in a better place.” We’re all tempted to tell a grieving person that their deceased loved one has moved on to a better plane of existence. It feels like the right thing to say – after all, the process of dying is often physically painful and protracted, and it seems like it might comfort their grieving loved ones.

Even deeply religious people aren’t always ready for their loved ones to become an angel or get sent to the afterlife. A better bet is a straightforward, “I’m so sorry for your loss.” It conveys your deep sympathy and acknowledges the pain of the grieving person.

If your grieving friend or loved one is a resident at one of Hillside Terrace’s community for assisted living in Ann Arbor, please feel free to contact us at 734-761-4451. Our professional staff will be happy to assist you in any way possible.