What does aftercare refer to in funeral practice?

Aftercare in funeral practice primarily refers to the ongoing support and resources provided to bereaved families after the funeral service. This can include grief counseling, follow-up contact to check on the family’s well-being, guidance on coping mechanisms, and information about additional support resources. The focus is on helping families navigate their grief journey and offering emotional support during a challenging time.

While the physical care of the body after death is crucial in the overall funeral service process, it pertains to pre-funeral arrangements rather than the aftercare phase. Financial support for bereaved families and post-funeral gatherings can also be components of the overall funeral experience, but they do not encompass the broader concept of aftercare, which is primarily about providing emotional and psychological support following the loss.