Options To Help Manage Visitations

When a loved one dies, families often make incredibly tough decisions about visitations and other arrangements. Some considerations for these decisions include the family's faith, cultural traditions, or personal choices.

• Wake or Visitation – A wake or visitation is typically held at a funeral home or mortuary but can also be held in the deceased's home. This allows friends and family to come and pay their respects. It can be an open or closed, depending on the family's preference.
• Viewing –A viewing is similar to a wake or visitation but is held at the funeral home or mortuary and is typically an open casket. This may not be an appropriate time to include young children.
• Funeral or Memorial Service –A funeral or memorial service is typically held at a church, temple, or another place of worship and allows friends and family to come together to remember and honor the deceased.
• Reception – A reception is typically held after a funeral or memorial service, allowing friends and family to come together to remember and honor the deceased. Often the house of worship or family and friends will provide a meal for the grieving family.
• Graveside Service: A graveside service is typically held at the cemetery and allows friends and family to come together to remember and honor the deceased for the burial only. Many families choose this to be private for close friends and family only.
• Online Memorial -- In some cases, families may hold an online memorial service, allowing friends and family to share memories, pictures, and videos.
• Private Visitation – Some families may choose a private visitation, which is only open to immediate family members and sometimes close friends.
• Virtual Visitations – Some funeral homes and mortuaries offer virtual visitations, allowing people to pay their respects remotely via video call.
• Home Visitation – Some families may hold a home visitation, where friends and family can come to the deceased's home to pay their respects.

The chosen options will depend on the individual and their circumstances, as well as the family's preferences. It's essential to respect their choices and support them in every way you can. This is an overwhelming process, and they may need additional support, even if it's just your presence, a listening ear, and a shoulder to cry on.