Common Errands to Help a Family When a Parent Dies

When a parent dies and is survived by a spouse and children, the family may need help with various errands. When offering to help, it's essential to ask them first. Everyone handles grief and loss differently. Here is a list of some everyday chores a family may need help with when a parent dies:

• Grocery shopping –The family may need help with grocery shopping and meal preparation, especially if the deceased parent was responsible for this.
• Medication Pickup – The family may need help running to pharmacies for medication for themselves and the children.
• Mail management – The family may need help managing incoming and outgoing mail, bills, and other paperwork. You could also arrange to make PO Box pickups.
• Transportation – The family may need help with transportation for themselves and the children. Whether it's to make funeral arrangements, sports practices, or school carlines, they may also need help arranging transportation for family coming into town.
• Legal or financial errands – All legal or financial chores can be overwhelming. You could help with probating a will, handling the deceased's bank accounts, and other financial matters.
• Insurance errands – Sometimes, their insurance company requires various things, from death certificates to other legal documents. You could help gather these things and compile emails to help notify insurance companies of the death and file claims.
• Counseling Appointments – Finding the energy to arrange grief counselors or other professionals can be challenging in the throes of grief. You could help them make these needed appointments.
• Funeral Arrangements – Funeral or memorial service arrangement decisions can be overwhelming. You could offer to shoulder some of that or go with them as a support or to take notes.
• Support Group Suggestions – No doubt those grieving the loss of a parent or spouse will need help and support in the future. You could help gather information, location times, and places for support groups or counseling for the family.
• Hotel Arrangements – Help arrange hotels close to the family for extended family to stay during the funeral or memorial service.
• House Cleaning – The family may need or want their home to clean. You could arrange for professional cleaners and meet them there to let them in.

It's important to remember that the grieving process can be overwhelming. Everyone won't want or need these suggestions; respect their wishes and needs. These tasks can be done over time and shouldn't be forced upon the grieving family.