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Becca Corbett

May 22
Love0

3 Ways Hospice Care Supports Your Family

By Hospice

When someone you love enters hospice care, you and your family may feel overwhelmed. During this time of heartache and confusion, seeing the positive aspects of hospice care can be difficult. Just remember: the hospice team is there to help and provide invaluable support for your family.

Before discussing the benefits of hospice care for your family, let’s clarify what it is and what to expect.

Healthcare worker standing beside a woman on a couch, with her hand on her shoulder.What is Hospice Care?

If your loved one is eligible for hospice care, it means that medical treatments are no longer improving their health, and you have stopped seeking a cure. Instead, you turn to hospice care to ensure your loved one has the best possible quality of life before they pass away.

While “hospice care” sounds scary and carries a sense of finality, its mission is to ensure that caregivers treat every person with compassion and dignity during their final days. Hospice care can range from days to months, or in some cases, years. The primary purpose of hospice is to provide around-the-clock care, monitor health, assess needs, and make the patient as comfortable as possible.

During this important transition, understanding how hospice care supports both your loved one and your family can be helpful as you come to terms with their eventual passing. Let’s look at a few ways hospice care benefits you and your family.

An elderly couple and a healthcare worker sitting at a table and talking.3 Ways Hospice Care Supports Your Family

Benefit #1: Hospice care relieves the burden and stress of caregiving.

If you or a family member provided daily care for your loved one, it is normal to feel tired and worn out. Your loved one may have been sick for a while before entering hospice and needed your help. If so, there were likely many doctor visits, hospital stays, and pharmacy runs. Hospice care relieves you of the responsibilities of being a full-time caregiver.

Enlisting the help of hospice care can alleviate some of the mental load of taking care of your loved one. Once hospice services start, professionals manage daily caregiving duties and administer the medications and care routines needed to keep your loved one comfortable. Having this built-in help allows you to focus on spending quality time with your loved one instead of taking care of them.

Healthcare worker writing on a clipboard while talking to elderly couple.If you were your loved one’s long-term primary caregiver prior to hospice, you may feel like you gave up or struggle with feelings of guilt, shame, or sadness. Please know that calling in hospice doesn’t mean that you couldn’t handle it on your own. Instead, you now have someone to carry it with you, giving you the space to tend to your own needs while still spending as much time as possible with your loved one.

When you have someone to help with the caregiving, you are free to share memories, stories, and laughter with your loved one while you are both still able to do so. Spending time with your loved one is beneficial for both of you and allows you to share meaningful, precious moments together in their final days.

Woman with arms around her mother's neck, kissing her on the cheek.Benefit #2: Hospice care offers reassurance and peace of mind.

You may experience fears and uncertainties about what lies ahead when your loved one is placed in hospice. The hospice team will provide round-the-clock care, ensuring your loved one’s comfort and your peace of mind.

Depending on the level of care your loved one needs, multiple people will work together to provide the required services. A doctor will oversee your loved one’s team, which may include a nurse, social worker, or other professionals certified in various areas. All are highly trained to provide quality care, treating their patients with kindness and compassion and ensuring that your loved one is well cared for during their final moments.

Knowing a full-time care team is present can be comforting to family members who are unable to be near their loved one as often as they would like. Having confidence that your loved one is receiving excellent care when you’re not there can give you and your family peace of mind when you need to step away.

Close up of a man's shoulder with him holding hands with someone standing behind him.Benefit #3: Hospice care connects you to helpful resources.

As mentioned previously, your loved one will have a customized hospice care team to address their unique needs. Hospice care can be overwhelming, but a team of experts will guide you every step of the way. One important advantage of hospice care is access to specialists from various fields, who provide a range of services and help connect you to appropriate support networks.

A social worker will be assigned to your loved one to help you and your family navigate the hospice process. Their primary role is to guide you through the hospice process and provide the resources and tools you need. For example, throughout your loved one’s diagnosis and hospice care, it’s natural to experience anticipatory grief as you prepare for what lies ahead. Your social worker can connect you with counselors or support groups to help you navigate the emotional challenges.

In addition to medical care, your loved one may require various therapies, nutrition support, or specialized medical equipment. Other members of the hospice care team can provide these services or obtain the materials your loved one needs so you don’t have to manage these logistics alone. The team is equipped to support both you and your loved one throughout the process.

Group of people sitting in chairs in a circle listening to a woman talk.Now that you understand how hospice care benefits both you and your family, you can discuss the options together and move forward with confidence. Throughout your loved one’s hospice care journey, you are not alone. Your hospice care team can provide a listening ear, serve as a calming presence, and actively support you through the entire hospice process.

Additional Resources

Who Qualifies for Hospice Care?

6 Ways Hospice Care Can Improve Quality of Life

6 Signs that It’s Time to Consider Hospice Care

Understanding the 7 Basic Hospice Services

Apr 02
Love0
Two men drinking coffee and sitting on a bench in the park

6 Ways to Support a Friend Grieving Their Mom on Mother’s Day

By Grief/Loss, Helping a Friend in Grief

Though holidays like Mother’s Day are joyful for many, they can be especially difficult for those grieving the loss of a mother. If you have a friend who has lost their mom, their grief may become more evident as Mother’s Day approaches. You may wonder if there’s anything you can do to help. Thankfully, there are meaningful, helpful ways you can offer comfort during this time. If you’d like to show someone you care this Mother’s Day, here are some thoughtful actions to support your grieving friend.

1. Provide a safe space to talk

Woman with hand on man's shoulder, drinking coffee and talkingSometimes, the simple act of sitting and listening goes a long way. Set aside time on Mother’s Day to have a conversation with your friend. Make some tea at home, meet at a coffee shop, or go for a walk and ley them talk about their mom. Silence your phone and limit distractions so you can be fully present, actively listen, and create a safe space for your friend to share their feelings.

If you’re unable to be with your friend in person, consider calling to check on them. Also, remember that your friend may not want to talk specifically about their mom, as it may be painful. Encourage them to talk about whatever feels right to them so they can focus on healing. Your presence and willingness to listen can be both comforting and healing for your friend.

2. Send a note of encouragement

Close up of man's hands holding an envelopeAnother way to support a friend who has lost their mother is to send a note of encouragement on Mother’s Day. This small gesture shows your friend that you recognize Mother’s Day may be a difficult time for them and lets them know they are not alone. Mail a card, send an email, or text them just to let your friend know that you’re there to support them.

For example, you could say, “I know Mother’s Day can be an overwhelming time for you. Please know I’m thinking of you.” Or, if you knew their mother personally, consider sharing a memory or story that celebrates what made her special. You could write something like, “I loved the sound of your mom’s laugh. It was always such a joyful sound.”

Adding personal touches can remind your friend how cherished their mother was and offer comfort during a challenging day.

3. Give a meaningful gift to honor their mom

Pink flowers in a vase sitting on a tableGiving your friend a gift in remembrance of their mom is another meaningful gesture. Since flowers are often associated with Mother’s Day, consider taking them a bouquet or a houseplant to brighten their home.

If your friend would appreciate something long-lasting, consider a small trinket, such as a jewelry tray or a decorative item that serves as a daily reminder of how much their mom was loved and continues to be remembered. You might also consider something more customizable, such as a necklace or keepsake box with their mother’s name on it.

If you are unable to physically visit your grieving friend, you can mail a small sympathy gift to let them know they’re on your mind. A tangible token, no matter how small, can bring comfort and help honor their mother’s memory in a lasting way.

4. Share a comforting meal together

Two women having a meal out on a deck.If you and your friend like food (who doesn’t?), then a great way to comfort your friend is to enjoy a meal together. You might invite them to brunch on Mother’s Day, bake their mom’s signature cookies together, or even pick up takeout and eat it at a local park. This is a thoughtful way to ensure they aren’t alone and have company around Mother’s Day.

By spending time with your friend, you provide them with companionship during their time of loss. Sharing meals often encourages meaningful conversations, giving you a chance to ask questions and get a sense of how they are feeling. Encourage your friend to share favorite memories of their mom, and let them know they can talk about her any time they want to.

5. Visit a place that celebrates their mom’s memory

Two men drinking coffee and sitting on a bench in the parkAccompanying your friend to a place that reminds them of their mom is a thoughtful way to show you care. Maybe their mom had a favorite park, walking trail, or bookstore you could visit together. Sharing this moment with your friend may encourage them to visit again on their own when they feel ready. While you’re there, allow them to process being in a space their mom loved so much.

Another option, if your friend is open to it, is visiting their mother’s final resting place together. Keep in mind that this option can be an emotional experience and is often most appropriate if you share a very close relationship with your friend. Once you arrive, give your friend space and let them set the pace of the visit. Your steady presence can help make the experience less overwhelming and offer your friend much-needed support in a difficult moment.

6. Support a cause together

Close up of a group of people's legs all walking togetherVolunteering or supporting a meaningful cause with your friend can be a powerful way to bring comfort on Mother’s Day. If your friend’s mother battled an illness, you could sign up for an awareness walk or participate in a blood drive in her honor. This meaningful gesture shows your friend that you care about their family.

Alternatively, you could make a charitable donation to a cause in your friend’s mother’s name to show your support. Sharing one of these meaningful experiences with your friend is a wonderful way to celebrate their mom’s memory.

Hopefully, these ideas encourage you to reach out to a grieving friend on Mother’s Day. Remember, anything you choose to do is a sign of kindness and compassion. Whether you provide your friend comfort with food, a listening ear, or a shoulder to cry on, know that your support will be deeply appreciated.

Feb 27
Love0
Man slouched over with someone's hand on his shoulder offering support.

Navigating Behavioral Changes After Loss

By Educational, Grief/Loss

After losing a loved one, many aspects of your life may shift and change. Your daily interactions with others, hobbies, and interests may suddenly look different, leaving you feeling disoriented and uncertain. At times, your body and emotions may feel like they have a mind of their own. In addition to physical and emotional changes, you may also experience behavioral changes. To help you and your loved ones navigate any unexpected behavioral shifts, let’s discuss what you might experience and how you can overcome these changes.

Elderly man looking off into the distance, and sitting on the couch while leaning on his cane.

What are Behavioral Changes?

To start, let’s define “behavioral changes.” Behavioral changes involve replacing old habits or patterns with new ones in response to a situation, such as the death of a loved one. Depending on the person, some changes may be short-lived while others linger on. But either way, always remember that behavioral changes are normal as you learn how to navigate life without your loved one.

Common Behavioral Changes

Next, let’s talk about some common behavioral changes you might experience after losing a loved one. When you know what to expect, you can adapt and adjust more easily to the changes.

Lashing out

Woman with hand on her forehead, looking upset, while another woman stands beside her, frustrated.Following the loss of a loved one, there may be days when you feel especially upset or angry because that special person is gone. With these strong emotions at the forefront, it can be challenging to focus on the other relationships in your life. On these days, you may feel tempted to lash out at the people around you, even if they are also grieving.

For example, because you may become triggered or upset more easily, you might find that you are more short-tempered with your spouse, kids, parents, or friends or have less patience than you typically do. In that instance, remind yourself that those around you are also experiencing loss and big emotions. They may also be feeling triggered and upset, just like you.

If you feel close to lashing out, remind yourself to breathe and remember that you will get through this. Take it one day at a time and allow yourself breaks and alone time when needed.

Avoiding people or social situations

Woman with sad expression, another woman comforting her.Without your loved one by your side, it might be exhausting to think about attending social gatherings or events. On top of that, it can be difficult to see others celebrating when you are grieving. As a result, you may find yourself avoiding social situations entirely.

Perhaps a friend and your lost loved one share the same birthday, so you aren’t sure if you want to attend the birthday brunch. It’s okay to skip the event if you need to focus on healing instead. One day, you will enjoy events again, but it’s okay to say no right now.

It’s natural and normal to want to be alone in your grief at times. Just be sure you don’t keep friends and family at a distance in the long term. After all, they care about you and want to help you during this difficult time.

Decreasing interest in activities

Elderly man sitting on couch and holding a remote.After losing a loved one, there may be times when it is challenging to participate in the activities you usually enjoy. That’s okay! A decrease in activities is normal as you figure out life after loss.

The book club, pottery class, or daily walks that usually bring you joy might begin to feel daunting. If an activity suddenly feels unenjoyable, it is okay to take a break and try again later. Over time, you can pick up the activities again, and they may become a healthy way to express your emotions during your grief journey.

As you adjust, remember to be kind to yourself and know that your interest in activities should return in time. However, if you don’t go back to those classes or clubs, that’s okay, too. You might discover new hobbies or interests while on your path to healing.

Feeling the need to make huge life decisions

Close up of hands holding a pen and signing a document.Because losing a loved one causes a significant change in your life, you may feel the overwhelming need to adjust other parts of your life to help you cope.

You may decide that it’s time to move, especially if you shared a home with your loved one and it’s now painful to stay there. Or perhaps you’ve lost a dear colleague, and you now have a strong urge to leave your job and start over somewhere new.

Before making any life-altering decisions, remind yourself that you are grieving and thoughtfully consider whether the decision will be helpful long term. Is the decision a logical one or a result of your grief? Not all big decisions are bad, but it’s important to be sure you are making them for the right reasons.

Ways to Overcome Behavioral Changes

While these behaviors may feel discouraging, the good news is that there are positive, healthy ways to cope with and overcome them. The following suggestions offer various outlets that will help after losing a loved one.

Take care of yourself

Elderly woman walking on a path with trees in the background.After a loss, make sure that you are eating well, sleeping, and getting some form of daily exercise to help improve your mental and physical well-being. Grief can affect even the most basic daily routines, so it’s important to ensure that you don’t forget to shower, brush your teeth, and change clothes every day. Although taking care of yourself may feel difficult while you are grieving, self-care is essential for your health.

Create a daily routine

Woman laying in bed and stretching with alarm clock on the table.Creating and sticking to a daily routine can help you ground yourself and find your new normal. Getting out of bed and making breakfast is a great start. Try to go for a walk, attend a workout class, or fit some form of exercise into your day. Having a familiar routine and knowing what to expect each day can give you a sense of control, even as you feel a little out of control after losing your loved one.

Find a support system

Man slouched over with someone's hand on his shoulder.Establishing a support system is a great way to get the physical help and emotional care you need during a time of loss. You can find a grief support group and chat with others who understand what you are going through. If a group setting is a bit overwhelming or just not your thing, reach out to a grief therapist. By connecting with others, you can share the load of your grief with people who care.

Identify positive outlets for your grief

Close up of shoes walking on a path.In order to heal, you need to find a way to express your grief. When you have the energy (it may not be right away), look for positive outlets to help you release your emotions and anything that may be pent-up inside you. For example, you could take a boxing class, go for a run, write in your journal, read poetry, or color as a way to process your grief. Adding a few relaxing hobbies and activities to your routine can be a productive way to move toward healing.

Visit your loved one’s final resting place

Monuments with color flowers.Visiting your loved one’s final resting place can be a cathartic step in your healing journey. For some, it may feel normal to visit a loved one’s final resting place as often as possible because it brings comfort. For others, visiting may feel uncomfortable, unnecessary, or even pointless at first. But consider giving it a try, either now or in the future. Spending time at your loved one’s resting place can be a healing experience and bring you closure.

Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of some of the most common behavioral changes to expect after a loss and how to deal with them when they come. But in addition to these changes, you may experience other behavioral shifts, and that’s okay. Every grief journey is different, so pay attention to your personal triggers and any new behaviors. And if you’d like help on the grief journey, reach out to a therapist in your area. They can help you build coping skills and learn how to navigate any behavioral changes you may experience.

No matter what, give yourself kindness and grace as you learn to navigate life without your loved one by your side. You have experienced a major loss, and unwanted changes have come into your life. Allow yourself to grieve in your own way, at your own pace, and in your own time.

Jan 20
Love0
different types of makeup spread out on a table with a lighted mirror in the background

What is a Mortuary Cosmetologist?

By Educational

After losing a loved one, you and your family will face a range of emotions and will each experience your own journey toward healing with unique needs. For many, seeing a loved one’s body in person following the death (often called a “viewing”) is a necessary and crucial part of the healing process.

If you’ve chosen to include a viewing, a team of people will prepare the body and ensure that your loved one looks just as you remember them. A mortuary cosmetologist is a key person assisting in the restoration and preparation process. But what is a mortuary cosmetologist, and how do you become one? Let’s talk about it.

a white rose on top of a closed casket with people blurred in the background

What is a mortuary cosmetologist?

If a family is interested in an open-casket viewing, visitation, or funeral service, the body must be prepared in a specific manner. A mortuary cosmetologist, or mortuary makeup artist, is a professional who prepares the body for the family.

At the arrangement conference, the family will provide a reference photo for what their loved one looked like in life. Using the image, the mortuary cosmetologist will employ various techniques to temporarily restore the body to a familiar state. Then the family can view their loved one in a recognizable form. By providing this service, the mortuary cosmetologist ensures that the deceased is treated with dignity and looks as they did in life, which can bring comfort to the grieving family.

different types of makeup spread out on a table with a lighted mirror in the background

What methods does a mortuary cosmetologist use?

Through the restoration process, a mortuary cosmetologist may employ several different artistic techniques to ensure that your loved one appears as you remember them.

Applying creams and lotions

Through a combination of creams and lotions, the artist restores the skin on the face as much as possible. These creams focus on rehydrating and preserving the skin, as well as providing a base layer before makeup application. Additionally, if there is trauma to the face, a more specialized cream can be used to aid in restoration.

Applying makeup

A mortuary cosmetologist uses professional makeup to help the deceased look more like themselves. This isn’t typical, everyday glam makeup. Instead, it is a special mortuary-grade makeup used to add color and give the skin a more lifelike look.

Fixing hair and nails

Another aspect of preparing the body for viewing is hairdressing and cleaning the nails. Families can request a specific hairstyle or nail color for their loved one. This act of care ensures that the body appears neat and respectable, making a loved one look more recognizable to the family.

Using prosthetics and wax

In some instances, prosthetics or wax may be required to restore and reshape a part of the face or body. The cosmetologist will make molds and repair damaged body parts to restore a loved one’s appearance as much as possible.

a makeup brush applying makeup on an eyelid

Are you interested in becoming a mortuary cosmetologist?

If mortuary cosmetology piques your interest, that’s great! However, there are some important aspects of the job you should consider. When deciding if mortuary cosmetology might be the right fit for you, ask yourself the following questions.

  • Do you have “the stomach” for this profession? Performing the duties of a mortuary cosmetologist is not for the faint of heart. Most importantly, you must feel comfortable working with corpses on a daily basis. Not everyone is suited for this profession, so consider it carefully.

  • Do you possess the necessary qualities? As a mortuary cosmetologist, you aren’t only interacting with the deceased but also with their families. During their time of need, you will need to be empathetic, supportive, and respectful to the families who are entrusting you with their loved one.

  • Is this a sustainable profession for you? As with any profession, you want something you can stick with for a long time, especially when there are classes and certifications involved. Consider whether mortuary cosmetology is sustainable for you and something you can commit to long-term.

Two people's hands, doing a handshake and passing off a diploma

How do you get started?

If you’re interested in pursuing the field of mortuary cosmetology, there are a couple of routes that will give you the required training to enter the industry.

Mortuary Science degree

One way to become a mortuary cosmetologist is to obtain a Mortuary Science degree. By earning this degree, you will learn about different processes, including embalming and the preservation of remains. While embalming is not always a necessary skill for a mortuary cosmetologist, it is beneficial to know about the process and what it might mean for you as an artist.

Additionally, due to the nature of the job, a mortuary cosmetologist must be very familiar with human anatomy. Choosing this route allows you to understand mortuary cosmetology from the perspective of a funeral director and anticipate what is expected in postmortem makeup.

Cosmetology degree

Another option for entering this field is obtaining your cosmetology license through a state-accredited cosmetology school. Typically, you will need to earn your Associate of Applied Science in Cosmetology. You could also complete a certificate program and then pass a certification test.

Through your training, you will learn the necessary skills required to apply makeup and fix hair. However, additional training in the restorative arts may be required to ensure that the skills are effectively translated to mortuary cosmetology.

One key benefit of this route is that it may make it easier to pursue a career in a different cosmetology field in the future. If mortuary cosmetology isn’t the best fit for you, you could work as a makeup artist or hairstylist in another field.

Both of these options provide the experience you will need to become a mortuary cosmetologist. Once you have the essential credentials, you can apply for a job through a hiring platform or, more commonly, by word of mouth. Roles vary from becoming a full-time mortuary cosmetologist for one funeral home to part-time at multiple locations.

hand on top of another hand on a bed

Hopefully, you now have a deeper understanding of what a mortuary cosmetologist does and how to become one. Ensuring a deceased loved one looks their best can positively impact the grieving family. Plus, it can be a fulfilling career for the mortuary cosmetologist. If you are interested in becoming a mortuary cosmetologist, you can also speak to a local funeral home and see if they have any suggestions or advice.

Disclaimer: When pursuing your mortuary cosmetology certifications, always research the laws in your state, as they can vary significantly. Ultimately, whichever path you choose needs to fit your preferences and lifestyle.

Dec 23
Love0
Woman playing a cello, seated by man playing a violin.

12 Ways to Honor the Musician in Your Life

By Meaningful Funerals, Personalization

Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult things we face in life, but designing a meaningful final goodbye can create a sweet moment of remembrance that will help soothe the pain.

Today, we’re going to talk about ways you can personalize the service to honor a loved one who deeply valued music, whether they sang, wrote songs, played an instrument, or participated in band, orchestra, musical theatre, and more. Let’s get started.

Personalized Ways to Honor the Musician in Your Life

1. Pick a music-related venue

Did you know that you have freedom when choosing the location of a loved one’s final tribute? For music lovers, your local theater, performance hall, or another type of music venue would be a great location for a service. Gathering somewhere that was either meaningful to your loved one or that highlights an area of interest is a wonderful way for people to feel closer to them.

2. Choose a music-inspired guestbook

It’s common practice to ask people to sign a guestbook when they attend the visitation or funeral service. Consider choosing one with a musical theme, such as music notes, vinyl records, or instruments. If you can personalize it, consider including a picture of your loved one playing their favorite instrument. Having a music-themed guestbook gives you a unique way to honor your loved one’s passion for music.

Flowers made out of sheet music placed in a vase.

3. Decorate with a music theme

While flowers are commonly used for decoration at a funeral service, there are so many ways that you can get creative! To add a musical theme to the service, you could use flowers made from sheet music, play vinyl on a record player, or display posters of their favorite bands. Additionally, if they were involved in musical theatre or any organized musical group, you could add playbills, programs, ticket stubs, costumes, and other memorabilia associated with that aspect of their life. These special touches add a unique feel to the service and pay tribute to their love of music.

4. Create a collage of photos from performances

If your musician did shows, put on concerts, or played on stage, gather photos of the performances to use during the service. Put the images in a photo album, scatter them on a table, or hang them on the wall for mourners to admire as they reflect on their loved one’s life. By adding these special touches, you can bring a loved one’s past performances to life for mourners who have come to honor their legacy.

Close up of a guitar on a stand with drums in the background.

5. Display their instrument

Perhaps your loved one played an instrument, or two, or three. To honor the time and commitment your loved one put into honing their craft, consider displaying their instrument(s) during the service. The instrument will become a visual reminder of their love of music. Plus, when people see the instrument, they can reflect on the special moments when they watched your lost loved one play it.

6. Perform songs they wrote

If your musician enjoyed writing song lyrics, you may want to play their personal songs at the service. Print out the lyrics and provide them to guests as they enter the service. Have a musician, band, or family members perform the song and encourage attendees to sing along. Hearing the lyrics your loved one wrote can bring peace and comfort during difficult moments.

Woman playing a cello, seated by man playing a violin.

7. Show videos of them singing or playing instruments

Alternatively, you could include a memorial video that highlights your loved one’s musical talent. If you have videos of your musician singing or playing instruments, they could be shown on-screen while people are entering or leaving the service. Watching a video of your loved one can help you revisit joyful memories and see the happiness they felt while performing.

8. Play music by their favorite artists

Every music lover will have their favorite musical artists, and you can use those preferences to personalize the service. Did your loved one have a favorite country artist, enjoy jazz, or love a band from their youth? Use their favorite tunes to compile a list of songs to play during the service.

If you want to involve the guests, consider creating a collaborative playlist of songs. Using whatever music streaming service you prefer, share a link with mourners to allow them to add songs that you can play at the service. To ensure the songs are appropriate for the service, review the playlist ahead of time. Additionally, you will need to make sure that the funeral home you partner with for the service has an appropriate license to play copyrighted music. By inviting family and friends to create a playlist together, you give them the chance to participate and reflect on meaningful moments spent with a lost loved one.

Tan chairs with white reserved signs in them.

9. Reserve seats for musical peers and students

Your musician may have spent part of their life mentoring others or leading musical groups, either as part of their career or during their personal time. If your loved one was a music teacher, voice coach, or band member, reserve a seating section for their students or fellow band members at the service. Providing special seating for guests who were important to your musician is a great way to honor their legacy.

10. Donate to a local musical organization

If your musician was active in a musical band, club, or organization, consider offering the option for people to donate to that cause as an alternative to sending flowers. Memorial contributions will serve as a meaningful way to support a cause that was close to your loved one’s heart.

Pile of guitar picks in different colors.

11. Hand out mementos at the service

Another thoughtful way to honor the musician in your life is to pass out mementos at the service. Not only will the keepsake remind people of your loved one on the day of the service, but it will act as a reminder for years to come.

Here are a few ideas for mementos:

  • Sheet music of an original song or one of your loved one’s favorite tunes

  • Guitar picks in a basket

  • Picture of your loved one performing

  • Musical note bookmarks

By providing attendees with a meaningful keepsake, you give them a tangible object that will help them process the loss.

12. Design a custom monument

In most cases, monuments are entirely customizable, allowing you to create a unique design to honor your musician. For example, you could add a photo etching, choose the shape of a music note, or have your loved one’s favorite lyrics carved on the stone. Your funeral director or a monument specialist can help you design the perfect monument to honor your loved one. They will discuss your options and answer any questions that you may have about creating a custom monument.

These are just a few ideas to get you started! Musicians bring joy and happiness to people’s lives, and there are so many ways to highlight their musical interest and talent. By planning a personalized service that incorporates music themes, you can pay tribute to their gift, their values, and their unique personality.

Additional Resources

If you’d like more ideas on personalizing a funeral for a loved one, check out these resources:

10 Ideas for Making a Funeral More Personal
Using Color to Personalize a Service
How to Personalize Music at a Funeral
How to Personalize Readings at a Funeral
How to Personalize the Eulogy at a Funeral
How to Personalize Healing Actions at a Funeral
Why Does Funeral Personalization Matter?

Sep 19
Love0
Overhead view of highway with vehicles, surrounded by trees.

What to Do if a Death Occurs Out of Town

By Educational

In life, we prepare for so many things. We save for vacation, purchase insurance to protect our homes and cars, and go to annual preventative medical exams. But despite all our best efforts, the unexpected can happen, including death away from home. The question is, is your family prepared? Do you and your family know what to do if death occurs away from home? Let’s explore practical steps to guide you through the process of what to do when death occurs out of town.

Woman with somber expression talking on the phone.

Step 1: Notify the Necessary People

When someone passes away, the first thing you will need to do is notify the necessary people. With a sudden death, you may need to call the local authorities to let them know a death has occurred. First responders will come to confirm the death, secure the area, and ensure that proper protocols are followed.

Next, depending on the location of the death, you may need to contact two funeral homes: one in the area where the death took place and one back home. If you know that your loved one preplanned their funeral wishes with a specific funeral home, notify them directly. Some funeral homes are willing to travel within a certain radius of their facility. These may be able to send a staff member to collect your loved one and transport them back to the funeral home.

The last calls you need to make are to any next of kin or friends. Don’t feel like you need to call everyone by yourself. Oftentimes, you can ask a few trusted people to help you spread the news, which will remove an emotional task from your shoulders and allow you to focus on other responsibilities.

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Step 2: Get a Death Certificate

After you have notified all the necessary people, you will need to address legal matters, such as obtaining a death certificate. Any time someone passes away, a death certificate must be issued by the responsible government office within a certain number of days.

Why would you need a death certificate? To complete funeral plans and close out an estate, you need legal proof that a loved one has died. This is where a death certificate becomes necessary. The death certificate allows you to close accounts, claim benefits, request burial or cremation, and address other legal matters. Also, a death certificate is required to arrange for transportation of the body back home.

However, there are different protocols for applying for a death certificate, depending on the state or country in which the death occurred.

State

Most of the time, the funeral home will assist you in the process of requesting and receiving a death certificate. Some states require embalming for transportation, may charge fees, or could have other regulations in place. Your funeral home will be the best resource for state practices.

Abroad

If a death occurs while you are abroad, the process for obtaining a death certificate could be quite different from the procedures in the U.S., depending on the country. You should notify the U.S. Embassy or consulate in that country, and they can assist you in obtaining the death certificate.

For a full list of embassies around the world and their contact numbers, please visit www.usembassy.gov. Also, for helpful tips from the U.S. State Department on what to do when death occurs abroad, click here.

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Step 3: Choose a Disposition

While it may sound odd, choosing a disposition will guide you in making funeral decisions when death occurs away from home. For example, if you choose burial, there will be different transportation requirements than if you select cremation.

Whether you choose burial or cremation, speak with your family members back home and take their thoughts into account. Some people need to physically see that special person one more time, which means burial would be preferred to cremation. On the other hand, cremation may be the disposition type all decision-making survivors agree on. Or you could do a hybrid where the body is transported back home before cremation takes place.

Regardless of which disposition is chosen, any decision will affect how you go about arranging a loved one’s transportation back home. And by consulting family members, you take their emotional needs into account throughout the planning process. Making funeral decisions while away from home is already difficult enough without adding hurt feelings to the mix.

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Step 4: Apply for a Burial Transit Permit

After applying for a death certificate and choosing a disposition, the next step is to request a burial transit permit. A burial transit permit, also known as a removal permit or disposition permit, is a legal document required for handling human remains. This document ensures that the remains are handled properly and follow the guidelines set by the state or country.

Like with a death certificate, the protocols may differ depending on where the death occurs. For example, if the death occurred across state lines, the body may need to be embalmed before crossing state lines. No matter what transportation method you choose, you’ll need to obtain a burial transit permit from the health department.

The funeral home is an excellent resource for questions about how to request a burial transit permit and requirements for transporting the body back home.

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Step 5: Arrange for Transportation Home

Arranging transportation for your loved one is an important decision because transportation costs will be your responsibility. You have two choices: ground or air transportation.

If you choose ground transportation, you may use a private carrier or even the U.S. Postal Service (if shipping cremated remains). When shipping the body back home (not cremated), embalming may be required by state law. To confirm what is legally necessary, speak with a funeral director at the place of death.

Another option is airline transport. Depending on the airline you choose, there may be additional paperwork needed. Additionally, if the death occurred in a different country, you might need other types of documentation, such as the deceased’s passport. Speak with your specific airline to determine their requirements and regulations. It’s important to gather all necessary paperwork to ensure a smooth transition home for your loved one.

And that’s it! Hopefully, knowing these 5 steps will put you at ease when you travel away from home. However, to make things even easier on your loved ones, there are things you can do ahead of time to prepare for unexpected events.

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Preparing in Advance

To make things easier on your family if death occurs away from home, there are some safeguards you can have in place before going out of town.

  • Preplan for your funeral wishes: By planning your funeral wishes ahead of time, you ensure that your loved ones know exactly what to do in the event of an unexpected death.

  • Purchase travel protection: Depending on the travel plan you choose, you may have certain expenses covered, such as transporting the body home. If you decide to preplan with a funeral home, talk to their funeral professional to ask about their travel plan options.

  • Get affairs in order: By getting your affairs in order, you make your wishes regarding your estate and assets known. Information like your Social Security number, mother’s maiden name, and other details are crucial for obtaining a death certificate, closing out accounts, and receiving life insurance policies.

Putting safeguards in place can help take a burden off your family and make things easier when you are gone. However, even with these safeguards in place, the death of a loved one is never easy. Hopefully, you will never be called upon to make funeral arrangements when death occurs away from home. But if the unexpected happens, we hope this information will be a beneficial guide for you through the process of bringing a loved one home.

If you’d like to learn more about preplanning for funeral wishes, please look into these additional resources:

What is Advance Funeral Planning?
How to Get Started With Funeral Preplanning
A Quick Guide to Planning a Funeral

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