Voluntarily stopping eating and drinking (VSED) Checklist
|
After death care options
As a funeral consumer advocate and Family Involved Death Care guide, I created this graphic to explain what a consumer's After Death Care options include. Many don't really know what happens when their loved one is removed from their care and don't know they have the capability and right to oversee the care until the final disposition. Many also don't know that there are more disposition options besides just flame cremation and traditional burial. Other options are usually greener and more eco-friendly for the planet.
After Death Care Options (All Rights Reserved)
Natural Organic Reduction, terramation or Human Composting
While Natural Organic Reduction was legalized in California in 2022, the state's Cemetery Funeral Bureau has until 2027 to build the infrastructure to support this new and unique disposition option in California. Until then, there are three facilities in Seattle Washington that can meet the needs of anyone in the U.S. and abroad to learn more. The first to market was Recompose. Their founder Katrina Spade was the originator of the idea. The second is also located in Washington but in a southern suburb of Seattle so they are somewhat more affordable. They are called Return Home. The third entrant to the market is called Earth. The are affiliated with Services Corporation International. In 2024, they also opened another facility in Las Vegas, Nevada. I have visited all of the facilities in Washington and am happy to discuss the pros and cons of each.
Family Involved Death Care checklist
If you decide to take care of your loved one's body at home, this step by step guide can help. It begins with the variety of disposition options that are currently available. Then, it is recommended that an experienced Home Funeral Guide be considered to help the family accomplish goals that align with their customs. Creating Honoring Spaces collaborates with 2-3 funeral firms that serve families in California. They understand the value of families being more involved in the oversight and care of their loved one after death and they are willing to provide only the services the families wants and no more.
Family Involved Deathcare at Home Checklist (All Rights Reserved)
No one really knows if they can and will want to take care of their loved one's body after death until the time comes. Sure, the professionals can do it for you, but you may be missing out on a profound and transformative honoring experience if you completely outsource this last act of care and kindness. Listen to this story to better understand what it is like and what is possible.