End-of-Life Services

AARP - How to Write a Memorable Obituary

"Pay tribute to the little and big things that made your loved one special."

"Carl Reiner, the legendary comedy writer, producer, director and performer, told CBS Sunday Morning in 2015 that the first thing he does in the morning before he has coffee is read the obituaries. “If I'm not in there, I know that I'm alive,” he said."

An informative article from AARP on how to tackle writing an obituary. Most of us have little or no experience and this article is a good way of pulling it together.

Answers to FAQ about Death Certificates

"Death certificates are the only legal proof of someone’s passing. Closing accounts, probating an estate, and dozens of other necessary tasks would be impossible without them. Get answers to the most frequently asked questions, including how, when, and where they’re issued."

This article prepared by ShareLife addresses many questions about Death Certificates. ShareLife.com is an organization of funeral homes, so the information provided is from the funeral director's perspective.

"It’s everything we do to make your event both personal and unforgettable. Whether we’re prearranging a funeral, planning a life celebration or helping you choose permanent memorialization, ShareLife combines a variety of products, services and options that transform traditional funerals into one-of-a-kind celebrations, making beautiful memories that last a lifetime."

Hospice of the Valley Salutes Program

SALUTING OUR VETERANS - Honoring those who served

Hospice of the Valley has specially trained volunteers who have not only served our country in uniform but are committed to saluting our veterans from every generation, who are facing end of life.

OUR SALUTING OUR VETERANS PROGRAM INCLUDES:

. A visit from a volunteer who also is a veteran.
. A special lapel pin honoring the patient’s military service.
. A gift of a flag to the patient’s family.
. Participation in community events recognizing veterans.
. Support from staff trained in issues that could emerge at end of life,
such as post-traumatic stress syndrome.

Volunteers meet with patients, listen and share stories about military service, and confer the special lapel pin and flag gift. Salutes volunteers say family members often say they hear stories about their loved one’s wartime experiences for the first time during a Salutes visit. The trust and camaraderie between fellow military veterans brings comfort to both.

What to do When a Loved One Dies

AARP provides a checklist of the tasks that must be considered and completed when a loved one dies.

What I learned from my Mom's Approach to Death

"My mother had been thinking about her own end of life for as long as I can remember. She’d nursed two parents through long, agonizing final chapters, one with cancer and the other with Parkinson’s. Being such a dutiful caregiver forged a determination in her not to end up like her parents. She was almost militant about “not being a burden” to her three girls at the end."

This 2023 article from AARP provides some insight on grief and coping with the end of life.

Navigating mortality? We'll be your guide - Cake.com

We are the largest end-of-life platform on the internet.

"Join millions of people turning to Cake each month for guidance on death, grief, and mortality. We provide thousands of articles and tools designed to help you learn about and prepare for end-of-life."

Note the following provided by Cake:

"Cake offers its users do-it-yourself online forms to complete their own wills and generalized educational content about wills. We are not attorneys and are not providing you with legal advice. Many users would be better served consulting an attorney than using a do-it-yourself online form. The fees for the advice of an attorney should not be compared to the fees of do-it-yourself online forms. We cannot give you customized advice on your situation or needs, which would require the service of an actual attorney. Any information you provide to Cake, and all communications between you and Cake, are not protected by an attorney-client privilege and are instead governed by our Privacy Policy. Usage of any form or other service on our website is subject to our Terms of Use."

For more information check the website.