The death of a loved one is a deeply emotional time, leaving families shattered.
Yet even amidst the heartache, they face a barrage of practical tasks – finances, complex paperwork, and bewildering decisions. Smith's Funeral Homes, with locations in Burlington, Stoney Creek, and Grimsby, understands this immense burden. Their unique approach goes far beyond arranging funerals, extending compassionate guidance and support throughout the challenging weeks and months that follow a loss.
"We see our role as helping families navigate not only the immediate aftermath of a death but also the longer term," explains Sarah Sunnucks, a seasoned funeral director at Smith's. "Everything can feel disorienting, and our aftercare program is designed to provide families with clarity and reduce stress. We offer them the space to grieve and the tools to handle the practical realities they face."
Understanding Smith's Aftercare Process
About two weeks after a funeral, families are invited to a one-on-one session with Smith's aftercare team, which is included in the cost of the funeral. This meeting has a multifaceted purpose:
- Navigating essential tasks: The team assists with government benefit applications, estate matters, and even potentially addressing creditor concerns.
- Grief counselling: "We're trained in grief support,” Sarah emphasizes. “We help families understand that what they're feeling – confusion, disorientation, even a sense of being overwhelmed – is normal during this time.”
- Tailored Support: "Circumstances are unique to each family," Sarah explains. "We tailor our advice to specific situations, providing guidance to new widows and widowers, helping families understand complex government benefit programs, especially those designed to support children who have lost a parent."
- Going the Extra Mile: “Sometimes, unexpected challenges arise," Sarah notes. "Maybe a family is facing creditor harassment or complex financial issues left unresolved by the deceased. We go above and beyond to support them in navigating these stressful situations."
Proactive Guidance and Planning
Smith's believes knowledge is a powerful tool that offers families a sense of control. They provide resources on their website about estate planning and government programs. Oftentimes, family members are unaware of important steps to take after the loss of a loved one, such as changing over beneficiaries on any assets to avoid probate taxes in the future. Decisions like these, with the guidance of Smith’s, can help remove a huge weight of stress from their shoulders.
“Even if a death hasn’t occurred recently, we encourage people to reach out,” Sarah says. “Understanding options in advance can offer significant peace of mind when the time comes.”
Facilitating Important Conversations
While not everyone wants to dwell on end-of-life planning, Smith's believes these conversations ultimately make things easier for loved ones in the long run. Their aftercare program offers a safe, supportive space to discuss these issues openly and ensure that wishes are honoured.
To learn more about Smith's Funeral Homes and their aftercare program, visit their website or contact them directly at 905-632-3333.
This article was sponsored by Smith's Funeral Homes, a 2023 BurlingtonToday Reader Favourite.
