Remembering Loved Ones During the Holidays

When most people think of the holiday season they often associate it with traditions, warm thoughts, baking, gift-giving, lights, and joy, but if you lost a loved one, chances are, your idea of the holidays might be different. The holidays can be very painful if you lost someone close to you, the music you once found comforting can evoke feelings of sadness, traditions you once cherished can become a source of pain if you once did them with the person you lost. So how do you remember and honor those who you’ve lost along the way? Here are some ideas from Love Lives On. 

1.  Purchase or make your own personalized ‘in memory’ at Christmas ornament with your loved one’s name or photo on it to commemorate your loved one.  Gather the family together and share memories of your loved one while you hang the ornament on the Christmas tree.

2.  Tie a beautiful ribbon around the trunk of your Christmas tree in your loved one’s favorite color.  This is an activity that the youngest members of the family can participate in.

3.  Remembering loved ones at Christmas is simple to do by hanging stockings with their names embroidered on them.  On Christmas Eve, have your family members fill the stockings with cards and letters to or about your loved ones.  You can all take turns reading the memories out loud on Christmas Day.  This is sure to become a beautiful and meaningful family tradition.

4.  Make an angel tree topper in memory of your loved one to top your Christmas tree.  You could make the angel’s clothes or wings out of your loved one’s clothing.

5.  Dedicate a small Christmas tree to your loved one and decorate it with photos, notes, and special ‘in memory’ at Christmas ornaments.

6.  Make a memory wreath dedicated to your loved one and hang it on your front door.  Decorate the memory wreath with ribbons in your loved one’s favorite colors, sentimental objects, and photographs.

7.  Buy a special candle and dedicate it to your loved one’s memory.  Keep it lit throughout the Christmas season (but do not leave it unattended).

8.  If you enjoy doing crafts, try making a memory candle with a treasured photograph of your loved one.  Again, keep it lit throughout the holiday season.

9.  At your place of worship, light candles in your loved one’s name or remember him or her in prayer.

10.  Set up a memorial table in your home for remembering loved ones.  When friends and family come over for Christmas dinner, ask them to bring a small memento to place on the memory table that reminds them of someone special that has passed away.

These are just a few of the many ways you can honor and create new traditions without your loved one during the holidays. Adolf Funeral Home and Cremation Services prides itself on providing exemplary customer services. We take every measure to ensure you are satisfied with all your funeral planning and burial needs during this sensitive time of grief and mourning and will do whatever it takes to make our positive workplace environment translate to your experience with us. Adolf Funeral Home has been serving the Berwyn and Willowbrook areas for a number of years. We pride ourselves on being large enough to provide professionalism and reliability, yet small enough to provide personalized service. To discover more about how we can serve your needs, please visit our website or call one of our locations today. 

Source:

https://www.loveliveson.com/remembering-loved-ones-at-christmas/#:~:text=Remembering%20loved%20ones%20at%20Christmas%20is%20simple%20to%20do%20by,out%20loud%20on%20Christmas%20Day.https://whatsyourgrief.com/creating-new-tradition-after-a-death/

How to Know When to Move Seniors into Assisted Living

 

Few people like the idea of moving from their homes into senior living communities. However, in some cases, this move is the best option for keeping an aging loved one safe as well as mentally and physically healthy. How do you know when it’s time to move aging parents to assisted living or a nursing home? Here are five signs to watch out for:

Difficulty with basic tasks

We all do dozens of little tasks each day that we take for granted need to be done – making meals, tidying rooms, doing laundry, paying bills. No one likes having to do them, but the effects of aging can reach a point where they’re much harder to do. Carrying things or moving from room to room can get more painful, for example, and suddenly the simple chore of laundry becomes much more difficult. Does your loved one have a harder time accomplishing everyday tasks?

Chores being neglected

One way some seniors deal with it when things start to get more difficult is simply not to. If your loved one is letting the dishes pile up, has a home covered in dust, and an ever growing pile of dirty clothes, it’s a sign they need some help.

Frequent injuries (even if minor)

2.5 million seniors are treated every year for injuries related to falls and in many cases the damage is serious. Minor injuries become a much bigger deal the older you get and if your loved one is suffering from them, then they likely need more day-to-day help than they’re willing to admit.

Significant weight loss

Eating well is one of the most basic of human needs. If your loved one isn’t maintaining a healthy weight, it could be because they’re having a hard time cooking their meals or they have a loss of appetite symptomatic of some larger problem. Either way, if they need assistance with as basic a task as eating often enough, they should have regular care.

A tendency toward isolation

Loneliness can be as bad for a senior’s health as an illness. If they’re not getting out and remaining active, living somewhere where they can tap into a community without leaving could be the trick. An assisted living home does mean less independence, but the other side of that coin is access to a whole new social community.

Adolf Funeral Home and Cremation Services prides itself on providing exemplary customer services. We take every measure to ensure you are satisfied with all your funeral planning and burial needs during this sensitive time of grief and mourning and will do whatever it takes to make our positive workplace environment translate to your experience with us. Adolf Funeral Home has been serving the Berwyn and Willowbrook areas for a number of years. We pride ourselves on being large enough to provide professionalism and reliability, yet small enough to provide personalized service. To discover more about how we can serve your needs, please visit our website or call one of our locations today. 

Remembering Your Baby after Stillborn or Miscarriage

 

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month was first declared by President Ronald Reagan on October 15, 1988.

On that day he said:  

“When a child loses his parent, they are called an orphan. When a spouse loses her or his partner, they are called a widow or widower. When parents lose their child, there isn’t a word to describe them. This month recognizes the loss so many parents experience across the United States and around the world. It is also meant to inform and provide resources for parents who have lost children due to miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy, stillbirths, birth defects, SIDS, and other causes.

Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the month of October as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.”

There is nothing easy when it comes to losing a baby and everyone handles loss in very different ways, luckily there are beautiful ways to honor and remember your baby. Here are some ideas to honor your baby for years to come according to Tommy, together for every baby.

Making a memory box

A memory box is a box or envelope that holds items that are related to the birth and to your stillborn baby and that will, in future, allow you to remember your baby and this time with more clarity. You can ask your midwife about creating a memory box.

You may want to take photos of the baby or take handprints or footprints. Your midwife can help with this. Some hospitals are able to store these keepsakes for you if you aren’t ready to take them home yourself. Or you could put them in a sealed envelope or box, which you can open when you’re ready.

If a twin or triplet has died, you could take a photograph of your babies together. One day you might want to show a surviving child their twin or sibling.

Some hospitals offer a memory booklet to record details and measurements of your baby.

You might want to collect scans, pressed flowers you’ve received, letters, the cord-clamp or your own or your baby’s hospital name band.

Remembering your baby in the future

As time passes, you might want to think about continuing to collect and make memories.

Some parents decide to mark anniversaries. These are likely to be triggers for your grief so be aware of this and look after yourself. Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, your baby’s due date, birth date, the day of the funeral – these can all become difficult days. You might want to think about taking time off work, or marking important dates in some way.

How you remember your baby is personal to you and your family. Here are some ideas:

• You may want to get a piece of jewelry made, engraved with your baby’s name or their hand or footprint.
• You may want to plant a tree – in a pot so you can take it with you if you move, or in a garden or special place.
• You could choose a special candle holder and light a candle when you want to have quiet time or on special dates.
• As time goes by grief will continue to hit you in waves. It might be unexpected at times.

How some have chosen to remember their baby

Below are some suggestions of other things that you can do to help create special memories:

• Keep letters and cards.
• You may wish to press the flowers you receive.
• Many families find it helpful to write about their experiences. Try writing a diary or a letter to your baby.
• If you have lost your baby during or after the birth, the first few days are crucial for gathering moments and memories. Spend as much time with your baby as you want. You can often visit your baby after leaving hospital. Some families may wish to take their baby home with them for a day or so.
• It is natural to spend time talking, touching, cuddling and comforting your baby. Being together as a family is often very important. You may want to include other family members or close friends.
• You can dress, wash or undress your baby as you wish. Some mothers wish they had undressed their babies to look at their bodies. You may like to keep the clothes your baby wore. Take as many photographs as you wish. You may like some photographs of the baby being cuddled by you and different family members. Don’t be afraid of taking close up shots.
• Take a lock, or several, of your baby’s hair. The hospital will also make hand, foot and ear prints if you wish. Keep hospital nametags and other items and keep them in a special memory box.

Losing a baby is likely one of the most painful experiences you will have, but honoring them throughout your life can help ease the pain and can help with the healing process. Adolf Funeral Home and Cremation Services prides itself on providing exemplary customer services. We take every measure to ensure you are satisfied with all your funeral planning and burial needs during this sensitive time of grief and mourning and will do whatever it takes to make our positive workplace environment translate to your experience with us. Adolf Funeral Home has been serving the Berwyn and Willowbrook areas for a number of years. We pride ourselves on being large enough to provide professionalism and reliability, yet small enough to provide personalized service. To discover more about how we can serve your needs, please visit our website or call one of our locations today.

Sources:

https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/pregnancy-complications/baby-loss/stillbirth/remembering-your-baby-after-stillbirth

https://www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org/awarenessmonth/

Planning a Funeral During a Pandemic

There’s no denying the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has basically turned our world on its axis. Everything from the way we learn, work, dine, socialize with each other, and even grieve has changed. If there’s a silver lining it’s in the way businesses and families have creativity adapted to find new and even innovative ways to include everyone and provide feelings of connectedness when being in close proximity isn’t an option. Losing a loved one is hard enough but planning a funeral during a pandemic has its own set of challenges. Luckily, the professional staff at Adolf Funeral Home & Cremation Services can help you with the process.


Discuss your options

With all the options available to connect virtually, it’s easier than ever to invite your closest friends and family members to not only discuss the options available to you for the funeral but share stories and memories. Consider platforms such as Zoom, Google Hangouts, and even Facebook. These video chat platforms are ideal because you can send out invites at times that work for everyone, furthermore, the video option allows you to engage and interact with each other on a more personal level than just a phone call which can be healing during a time of grief.

Take a virtual tour

At Adolf Funeral Home & Cremation Services you can take a tour of facilities to get a feel for where the services will be held. When you plan on traveling you wouldn’t book your excursion without taking a tour and the same should be true when it comes to selecting the perfect funeral home for your loved one. We live in a digital world and it’s easier than ever to take virtual tours for those who live out of town and even close due to the pandemic.


Let us help you

Whether you are looking for an adapted traditional service, memorial service, cremation, grief counseling, or more, the professional staff at Adolf Funeral Home & Cremation Services will help you plan a service for your loved one however you feel comfortable, email, phone calls, or in person.


At Adolf Funeral Home & Cremation Services we consider it our duty to ensure your health & safety related to the coronavirus (COVID-19). We appreciate your support and cooperation as we do as much as possible to protect all who entrust us with their loved ones.


What we are doing

• Closely monitoring updates and guidance from the WHO, CDC and the local/state health departments so we can be prepared and proactive regarding recommended hygiene standards.
• Maintaining our outstanding hygiene standards and following WHO and CDC recommendations for everyday preventative actions to help prevent the spread of all diseases.
• Increasing the frequency of our routine sanitation practices including increased cleaning protocols for high trafficked areas and hard surfaces.
• Supporting our employees with flexibility and encouraging anyone feeling ill or experiencing symptoms to stay home.

What you can do

• If you are feeling ill please stay at home. Your family, friends and loved ones will understand.
• Exercise the best possible hygiene practices, including:
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue away immediately and thoroughly wash hands for 20 seconds or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
• Wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid handshakes or other unnecessary physical interactions.

Adolf Funeral Home and Cremation Services prides itself on providing exemplary customer services. We take every measure to ensure you are satisfied with all your funeral planning and burial needs during this sensitive time of grief and mourning and will do whatever it takes to make our positive workplace environment translate to your experience with us. Adolf Funeral Home has been serving the Berwyn and Willowbrook areas for a number of years. We pride ourselves on being large enough to provide professionalism and reliability, yet small enough to provide personalized service. To discover more about how we can serve your needs, please visit our website or call one of our locations today.

How to Word a Request for Funeral Donations

When dealing with the loss of a loved one, the last thing you want to be thinking about is how you will afford the funeral. The cost of a funeral can be expensive, and for some families, hard to afford. Finding assistance that helps cover the cost of a funeral can be challenging. At Adolf Funeral Home & Cremation Services, we are here to help you. 

As long as you phrase your request for donations in the right way, it’s not impolite to ask. Take a look at different ways you can ask for donations for funeral expenses. 

A great place where you can ask for donations is in the obituary. The obituary serves as the notice of death and can be found online or in the paper. In the obituary, you will detail the biographical information of the deceased as well as funeral information. At the end of the obituary, add a line about where people can send donations if they choose to. 

You could also request donations in an email or letter. You could send the email or letter to your immediate and extended family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers. You could also send it to the people in your loved one’s address book. 

The first sentence of your email or letter should announce the death of your loved one. Then provide details of the funeral, such as day, time, and address. After that, state that you need help raising funds for the funeral. You do not need to go into detail about why you need help, or even let them know how much you need because it is none of their business. Finally, consider using a crowdfunding website to collect donations, or ask that the donations be dropped off at the funeral home. Some times a lot of people are hesitant to be handing you donations the day of the funeral. Another great place to ask for donations is on social media. Social media has the ability to reach a lot of people very quickly, and when you tag your loved one, your post reaches more people than just your friends. 

Here are a few examples of how you could ask for donations in the obituary, an email or letter, or on social media. 

Obituary: 

“A funeral service will be held at 10 am on Friday, September 10 at Adolf Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to help cover medical bills and living expenses.” 

“Jim was an alumnus of Northwestern University. He personally contributed to the Wildcat Student Memorial Scholarship Fund each year. His family asks that all donations are made to this fund in his memory.”

Email: 

“It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my father, Jim William Smith. He passed away Thursday, September 7. The services will be on Thursday, September 14 at 10 am at Adolf Funeral Home. Many of you have reached out asking how you can help my family during this time. We appreciate your thoughts and prayers and would also appreciate monetary donations to help pay for funeral expenses. Feel free to drop off donations at the funeral home or visit our GoFundMe page.”

Social Media:

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers over the last several days. I appreciate all your kind words about my mother, and I love hearing your memories of her. Many of you have asked how you can help our family during this difficult time. Instead of sending flowers, we ask that you donate to Susy’s funeral fund. We appreciate your love and support. Thank you. 

Adolf Funeral Home & Cremation Services is here to help you during some of the most challenging times in life. If you need help asking for donations, please feel free to contact us, and we will help you write a request. 

For more information regarding our traditional and memorial services, cremation services, or our pre-planning services please call (708) 484-4111 or visit our website. 

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Sources

https://www.joincake.com/blog/how-to-ask-for-donations-for-funeral-expenses/

https://www.joincake.com/blog/wording-for-memorial-donation/

Should I Donate My Body To Science

It’s a very personal decision when someone chooses what they want to happen to their bodies once they die. The good news is that there are no wrong answers; Some might feel very strongly about being buried in the ground next to a loved one in a chosen plot, and others find the thought of cremation more comforting. But one option that isn’t often discussed is donating your body to science. 

While a common initial reaction is to think that this is an extreme and intimidating course of action, donating your body to science is not only more common than you might assume, but it also is a noble and beneficial decision. Science Care eloquently explains that donating your body to science means you, the donor, are allowing medical researchers and educators to improve the quality of life for all of us, allowing countless generations to live longer and healthier lives.

If this sounds like an intriguing idea, here are a few things to understand about what happens when you choose to donate your body to science:

It Could Save You Money
While benefiting the medical community at large is the most obvious benefit to donating your body to science, this option also generally means significant cost savings for your loved ones once you pass. According to Considerable.com, on average, families can expect to spend over $7,000 with traditional burial, and a little over $6,000 with cremation. Donating a body to science not only is a beautiful course of action, but it could also decrease the possibility of financial hardship for your nearest and dearest. 

You Have to Qualify
Healthline explains that a donation through an accredited organization or nonprofit, such as a university donation program or local hospital, screens potential donors while they are still alive. You’ll be asked extensive medical questions regarding past illnesses and surgeries, possible drug use, and if you’ve ever been diagnosed with a communicable disease. While HIV, hepatitis, severe trauma and obesity may rule out donations to certain institutions, take comfort in the fact that more than 90% of donors who wish to donate their body to science are accepted; Considerable.com explains that being burdened in life with cancer, heart disease, or diabetes does not disqualify you from donation. 

You’ll Be Examined Again After Death
If you are approved for donation after your initial exam, your information will be kept on file until you pass away. Once that happens, another medical assessment would be done on your body to ensure that your condition at the time of death meets the chosen program’s requirements. If all goes well, your body would be discreetly transported to the appropriate facility and then immediately embalmed, just as it would at a traditional funeral home. 


If the thought of donating your body to science is appealing, then trust your friends at Adolf Funeral Home to guide you through the process with expertise and sensitivity. Adolf Funeral Home and Cremation Services prides itself on providing exemplary customer services. We take every measure to ensure you are satisfied with all your funeral planning and burial needs during this sensitive time of grief and mourning and will do whatever it takes to make our positive workplace environment translate to your experience with us. Adolf Funeral Home has been serving the Berwyn and Willowbrook areas for a number of years. We pride ourselves on being large enough to provide professionalism and reliability, yet small enough to provide personalized service. To discover more about how we can serve your needs, please visit our website or call one of our locations today. 

Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/what-happens-to-your-body-when-its-donated-to-science
https://www.considerable.com/life/death/what-exactly-happens-when-you-donate-your-body-to-science/
https://www.sciencecare.com/how-does-the-body-donation-process-work
https://www.parting.com/blog/body-donation-the-advantages-and-disadvantages/

5 Tips for Funeral Etiquette

When it comes to mourning someone you love there are no rules, likewise, everybody handles grief differently but there are still dos and don’ts when it comes to funeral etiquette. There are many factors to consider when it comes to attending a funeral, everything from what to wear and what to say, to if you should send flowers and more. Here are some tips when it comes to funeral etiquette to follow.

What to wear 

Gone are the days when everyone wore black from head to toe to funerals, but that doesn’t mean it’s appropriate to wear bright colors either. When it comes to dressing for a funeral take the less is more approach and dress conservatively in darker colors if possible such as gray, navy blue, and black. Pantsuits, dresses, a nice blouse, and pants or simple understated pants and shirts for men are all appropriate choices. Try to steer clear of busy patterns and bright colors if possible. 

What to say

The less is more theory stands true for words to say to grieving loved ones. A simple “I am so sorry for your loss” or “This must be a very difficult time for you, can I do anything to help?” Is enough to express your condolences and support. 

When to arrive

This is one occasion you don’t want to be late for. If you are prone to being late, try to get ready and leave earlier to avoid any pitfalls such as heavy traffic that might set you back. In general, you should plan to arrive approximately 10-20 early before the service. If you are late try not to become a distraction and sit near the back to avoid unnecessary noise. 

What to give

This is a personal choice. Oftentimes families of the loved one who has passed will request funds to be allocated to a cause they supported or were passionate about in lieu of flowers. If not, flowers or a plant that will last beyond the service is usually always appreciated by the family. Other ideas are a simple sympathy card, restaurant gift cards, a prepared meal, an offer to walk their dog, gift baskets, etc. 

Is it ok to bring children?

If the child had a close personal relationship with the person who died it is acceptable and even usually encouraged to bring them to the funeral. IT is a good idea to discuss expectations with the child and what they can expect throughout the day. You can ask the child to contribute by making a card or a special token for the grieving family. However, babies and toddlers who do not understand how to sit still and be quiet should stay at home or with a sitter during the funeral. 

Adolf Funeral Home and Cremation Services prides itself on providing exemplary customer services. We take every measure to ensure you are satisfied with all your funeral planning and burial needs during this sensitive time of grief and mourning and will do whatever it takes to make our positive workplace environment translate to your experience with us. Adolf Funeral Home has been serving the Berwyn and Willowbrook areas for a number of years. We pride ourselves on being large enough to provide professionalism and reliability, yet small enough to provide personalized service. To discover more about how we can serve your needs, please visit our website or call one of our locations today. 

Sources:
https://www.ftd.com/blog/celebrate/funeral-etiquette