Grief Care Package Guide

Creating a Grief Care Package

Once a human being's life is extinguished by their deaths, their grief is not eased any more. Though they may want to create new activities from unused days, this will not bring the closure that they truly need.

By creating a grief care package, you can help continue to use your services without having to obtain additional services from third parties. Often, we can be more efficient by sending one package at a time, which will save us time and money.

I have heard from friends who have lost a loved one that it’s impossible to ask for assistance immediately, and when they are able to do so, it can be days before they get a response.

If you’re considering whether or not you should create a care package for someone who you have lost, we would like to highlight some pieces of information that you might think about adding to their package of support.

Items to Include in a Grief Care Package

When it comes to selecting items that the bereaved will need, there are plenty of options to consider. You can include anything that may help the bereaved cope in their final days.

Toiletries

Toiletries and other everyday items can quickly run out and require replacement. The problem with this however is that those who are grieving do not always have the time to go to the pharmacy or supermarket. Consider adding some toiletries and other everyday items to your grief care package such as:

• Toilet paper
• Tissues
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Toothpaste
• A toothbrush
• Soap
• Lip balm
• Food

Between receiving messages of condolences and comforting a relative, it can be hard to find time to cook if the person in mourning is also under tremendous pressure. To help prevent this, consider making a dish or gathering some non-perishable food that you can drop off for them.

If the prospect of making something good to eat is on your mind at the moment, you are better off making a casserole or some soup, as these are easier to warm up.

For non-perishable food items, stick to things like:

• Granola bars
• Canned goods (soup, vegetables, fruits, etc)
• Cereal
• Instant oatmeal
• Nuts

Comfort Gifts

There are times when people just need something to make them feel better, such as a comforting hug or an enjoyable conversation. Something as simple as the purchase of a bath bomb or cozy blanket can give you a boost of comfort and joy. Here are some ideas to make sure that your comfort package is as comprehensive as yours needs to be.

• Journal
• Candles
• Cozy blanket
• Photo album
• Bath bombs

Grief Resources

It’s likely that the grieving family gets overwhelmed by a whirlwind of different emotions during this time. To make the grieving family’s journey easier, try to include some grief resources. This can include items like:

Books/guides for coping with grief

Contact information for local grief and support groups

Links to helpful blog posts or online articles

Details for local grief seminars or remembrance events

Items For Children

If the bereaved have younger children. It can make coping with a loss even more difficult. In addition to managing one’s grief, they may have to be supportive of young children coping, or just do the daily tasks of parenting. A way to help families is to help parents try to think of ways to help their children cope with the loss of a loved one. Children’s gifts can include items such as:

• Colouring book and crayons
• A stuffed animal
• Activity books
• Grief resources for children

Help The Bereaved and Show You Care

When someone passes into your life, it’s important to start planning your grief care package and spending time to build a new, customized grief care package for them.

If you find yourself wondering what else you should include in your care package for someone grieving, we want you to know that we’re here to answer any questions you may have and will gladly share ideas or resources with you. It’s thought that the care package that you provide may broaden the family member’s role, offer contacts outside of your home, and bring you more in touch with their daily lives.

Follow These Best Practices for Delivering Your Care Packages

If you plan on dropping off the care package, do not just show up pretending to be unannounced. Let them know specifically that you have something to give them. You could also offer to visit for a few days if they’re up for a visit. However, if you do offer to visit, you have to be certain that you are polite and courteous while being asked to accept the offer.

An alternative option is to ship the care package to them in order to ensure it will arrive safe.

Remember that grief doesn’t end with the funeral, so your support shouldn’t either. You could send a care package every few months or however frequently you wish. Just make sure to do your part by sending them to someone who can help them through their grieving process.