You can contact a medium as soon as you like, but you may not be prepared for it immediately after the passing of a loved one. You may need to give yourself time. Be gentle with yourself!
It varies from person to person, the amount of time needed for grieving. It is not everyone who can sit for a reading whilst they are still upset. Some need a while. You will know when you are ready.
The ‘dead’ person’s spirit will go home to the spirit world, but will be able to communicate with the material plane when they are ready. The time needed for them to prepare depends on just how evolved they were before their material life.
Some spirits are much more aware than others and will know how to communicate easily, but others may need a little help at first.
Sometimes a third ‘person’ assists them with the communication until they are ready to do it for themselves. We know that not all spirits are as evolved as others, or as knowledgeable, from earlier communications.
It is known for another spirit entity to bring through a newly crossed over spirit with them. They help to pass on the message to the medium’s sitter. You will know then that your loved one is safely over to the higher side of life.