Losing a loved one is a difficult and emotional experience for anyone, but it can be especially challenging for the elderly who may have lost many friends and family members over the years. If you want to help an elderly person with a funeral, there are some things you can do. If you need to help them planning a funeral for a loved one or want to help an elderly loved one plan a funeral at funeral homes in Elmwood Park, IL, keep these things in mind.

Be Supportive

The most important thing you can do for the elderly person is to offer emotional support. Listen to them, allow them to express their feelings, and be there for them during this difficult time.

Assist With Practical Tasks

Help the elderly person with practical tasks such as making phone calls, arranging transportation, and coordinating with funeral directors.

Provide Transportation

Many elderly people may not be able to drive or may not feel comfortable driving to a funeral. Offer to provide transportation or help them arrange transportation.

Help With Funeral Arrangements

If the elderly person is responsible for making funeral arrangements, offer to help with the planning process. This can include helping with decisions such as selecting a casket or urn, choosing a funeral home, and arranging for flowers and other decorations.

Provide Meals

The elderly person may not have the energy or desire to cook during this difficult time. Offer to bring over meals or help with meal planning and preparation. Many of them do not cook much anyways so they will appreciate having the extra help. If they have family or friends over to their homes during the funeral, it will be nice to them to have something to offer them.

Paperwork

There may be a lot of paperwork that needs to be completed after a death, such as filing for death benefits or updating insurance policies. Offer to help the elderly person with these tasks. This paperwork can be confusing for anyone, but many elderly people can’t hear well or don’t understand certain terms and phrases, which can make it harder for them.

Be At The Funeral

If the elderly person is unable to attend the funeral due to mobility issues or other health concerns, offer to attend the funeral and represent them. They will appreciate having someone there to help them physically and emotionally as they go through their grief.

The key to helping the elderly with a funeral is to be there for them, offer your support, and assist them with practical tasks as needed. It is important to respect their wishes and allow them to grieve in their own way. It can be hard for the elderly to deal with the loss of someone close to them and many of them may not have anyone around to assist them with closure or the planning aspects of the service. If you are ready to plan a funeral service at funeral homes in Elmwood Park, IL be sure to reach out to us for help.