Grief Is Life Transitioning

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Plan Ahead

Losing a loved one and planning your memorial/funeral can be emotionally and mentally challenging due to the many steps required to be successful.

While planning a memorial/funeral service there are several things to keep in mind and there are resources available during this process.

Green Burial

Minimum environmental impact and conserves resources. An eco-friendly burial. The body is placed in a coffin that is biodegradable or shrouded and interred without a concrete vault. This is a natural burial of a dead person in the soil that does not compromise the decomposition of the body but allows it to be naturally recycled.

Writing a Eulogy

A statement that praises someone highly or commemorates someone who has died.

Mausoleum

The decomposition process occurs above ground in a final resting place above the ground. It contains one or many crypts or burial spaces for the whole body and cremation ashes. A variety of factors will influence the costs.

Burial Insurance Policy

Usually refers to whole life insurance policy. Death benefits provide money for funeral and burial costs for themselves and/or family members.

End-of-Life Planning

Consists of four components:

  • Advance Directives or living wills
  • Appointing durable power of attorney for health care
  • Documents for distribution of assets
  • Specifying preferences for type and place of care

Funeral Cost

Basic services fee for the funeral director and staff, charges for other services and merchandise, and cash advances.

Burial & Cremation

Burial

Final disposition whereby a dead body is placed into the ground.

Cremation

Final disposition whereby the body is placed in an appropriate casket or acceptable rigid container. The container is placed into a furnace or retort.

Planning Resources

Living Wills

A statement detailing a person’s desires for their medical treatment when they are not able to express informed consent, especially an advance directive.

Available through Legal Zoom website

Advance Directives

A living will, medical power of attorney, and personal directive are legal documents whereby a person specifies actions to be taken for their health if they are not able to make decisions for themselves because of illness or incapacity.

Life Insurance Policy

  • Term and Whole: Available through insurance companies
  • Burial Alternatives: Available through insurance companies
  • Military Burial: VA website
  • Planning Your Own Funeral Arrangements: Make your wish at fivewishes.org

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