There are very few situations where it is easy to announce the loss of a loved one to others. Even with a burial or cremation service in Iowa City, IA, scheduled for laying them to rest, telling friends or family members can feel like a complex experience to try to navigate. Understanding some ways to make it easier could be helpful, so let’s look at just a few tips.
Do it in a Private Area
It is always recommended to find a private and safe area to announce what has happened, and generally, the person’s home may be the best option. You also want to be mindful of anyone else in the space, like children, and give the news in a separate area from them. If you need to announce the loss over the phone, asking the person to sit down can be helpful because the news can feel overwhelming for some individuals, and they may need extra support under them.
Be Direct in What Has Happened
It’s also recommended to deliver the news in a straightforward way and to use age-appropriate language to prevent confusion about what has happened to the individual. Avoid saying things like passed on or lost and use direct language like died, so the individual understands the finality of what you’re telling them. You will also want to find age-appropriate resources for the proper context and information, whether you’re delivering the news to a 6-year-old or 17-year-old.
Practice Patience
Each person’s response to hearing the news about the loss can vary, so be prepared for this. One of the most helpful actions is to be mindful of practicing compassion, patience, and empathy because this can help you navigate the experience more easily if the individual has a strong emotional response to the news.
Prepare Yourself
It can also be helpful to prepare yourself to let people know that the person has died. This can include writing down what you will say, understanding as much as possible about what has happened to them in case some questions arise, and giving yourself a few minutes to get composed before telling the person.
Let them Know You are There to Support Them
Depending on the situation, you might also offer individual support. This could consist of anything from listening to their experience and sharing stories about the deceased to help them with physical support as they navigate the loss.
Affordable and Expert Care
No matter how you look at it, announcing a loss is never easy, and if possible, one of the biggest things you could do is make time for the individual to be there for them. Getting the right support is critical, and if you need a cremation service in Iowa City, IA, our team is here to help. We are a locally trusted provider offering exceptional care since 1982. We work hard to serve our families by helping to honor their loved ones, so contact us today to get started and get more information about our services.
