Collaborative Post
The death of a loved one is a painful and challenging experience, no matter what age or stage of life they were at when they passed away. I lost my grandad almost twenty years ago, when I was still a child, but I still remember that period of time with clarity. I remember noticing how stressful it was for my mum, her brother and sisters, and of course my nan, who had lost the love of her life. When you lose somebody, there are so many things to think about, all whilst navigating grief. Below are some things to consider, after losing a loved one, which you may not have thought about before.
Organise a Memorial
When arranging the funeral, you will likely be looking at your loved one’s own wishes, in a will, or from conversations you may have had prior to their death. However, something they may not have looked into, or that you might like to organise in their memory, is a bespoke memorial. There are lots of options to consider when looking at types of headstones, from materials, to accessories, and the inscription you will choose. If you are unsure where to start, you can find examples of these online, as well as information on the legalities of erecting a headstone in the graveyard.
Provide Care for Pets
You may not have considered who will care for your loved one’s beloved pet after their death. If they haven’t included this in their will, it needs to be something you discuss as a family. If you are unable to care for the pet yourself, you can contact local services to discuss your options. You may need to provide short term care, such as putting the animal into a kennel, until a permanent plan has been arranged.
Close Accounts
Although closing bank accounts may be something you have on your radar, remember to also close down any other existing accounts such as TV streaming services, insurance policies and email addresses. You will also need to cancel their driving license, if they had one, and make a list of any bills and expenses for the executor of the estate to take into account.
Delete Social Media Accounts
Some social media sites have the option to memoralise an account rather than simply deleting it, which is something you may wish to consider, especially if you have family across the world, who might like to continue to share memories and photos of your loved one, after they have passed away. A memorialised Facebook profile stays up with the word “Remembering” in front of the deceased’s name. You will need a copy of the death certificate to close or memoralise an account.
Losing a loved one is immensely difficult. It can be hard remembering everything you need to do following their death. Grief is a journey, which you are just beginning to navigate. Take time to yourself, and speak out if you are finding things hard.
This is a collaborative post, however all words are my own.
