Creating a Grief Care Package
Creating a Grief Care Package
Losing a loved one is difficult to say the least. In addition to managing their grief and adapting to life without the deceased, they have to also use time and energy on day to day errands and tasks. While grieving alongside others, it can be difficult to find enough time in the day.
One way you can help make life a little easier for them is to create a grief care package. This is a great way for you to show your support for them during this difficult time. While many people will send flowers or cards, these do not necessarily help meet our day to day needs.
Oftentimes, when a death has just occurred, people will offer the commonly used phrase “if there’s anything you need…”. The problem with this though, is that it requires the person grieving to reach out and ask for assistance. This isn’t always the easiest thing to do, especially if you’re already overwhelmed with grief.
If you’re looking for a way to make a real difference for someone who is grieving, consider creating a grief care package for them. Below, we’ve highlighted some different items you can include in your care package for someone grieving.
Items to Include in a Grief Care Package
When it comes to selecting items to include in a care package, there are plenty of options to consider. Honestly, you can include anything you think the bereaved may need over the coming days. This can include items like toiletries, food, gifts, grief resources, and items to help children cope.
Toiletries
Toiletries and other everyday items can quickly run out and need to be replaced. The problem with this though is that those who are mourning don’t always have time to make a quick trip 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 grieving, receiving messages of condolences, and comforting other family members, it can be hard to find time to cook. Sometimes, those in mourning may even forget to eat altogether. To help avoid this, consider making a dish or gathering some non-perishable food that you can drop off for them.
If you plan to make a meal, it’s best to make something that they can easily warm up when they feel like eating. A casserole or some soup are not only easy to reheat, they can be very comforting as well.
For non-perishable food items, stick to things like:
If you plan to make a meal, it’s best to make something that they can easily warm up when they feel like eating. A casserole or some soup are not only easy to reheat, they can be very comforting as well.
For non-perishable food items, stick to things like:
- Granola bars
- Canned goods (soup, vegetables, fruits, etc)
- Cereal
- Instant oatmeal
- Nuts
Comfort Gifts
Sometimes people just need something to comfort them and help make them feel better. Your grief care package doesn’t need to be filled with expensive gifts. Something as simple as a bath bomb or cozy blanket can make a world of difference. Here are some suggestions for inexpensive comfort gifts to include in your care package.
- Journal
- Candles
- Cozy blanket
- Photo album
- Bath bombs
Grief Resources
It’s likely that the bereaved is experiencing a whirlwind of different emotions during this time. To help make their journey of grief 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 their grief, they may have to help children cope, or just carrying on with the day-to-day duties of parenting. One way to help them out is to include some smaller gifts for children to help them cope with the loss. 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
A loved one’s passing marks the beginning of a new journey for those they leave behind. When you take the time to plan and build a grief care package for them, you can help make this new journey a little bit easier for them.
If you find yourself wondering what else you should include in a care package for someone grieving, we’re here to help. We will happily answer any questions you may have and can offer ideas or resources you may wish to share with the person in mourning. It’s also recommended that you speak with other family members and friends. They may want to contribute to the care package and offer their own ideas.