Funeral and Memorial Planning
Honor Rites
To Honor is to celebrate and appreciate an individual’s autonomy. It is an acknowledgment of what makes someone unique. Honor rites keep the ceremony focused on the dead and the grieving. It is an opportunity to give Honor to your loved one, acknowledge that death is part of humanity and give an Honorable farewell. Honor Rites do not focus on philosophical or religious beliefs as death happens to all, but the bereaved can add those elements depending on their preferences. Learn more on how to Honor a life today.
Final Days (Hospice Care)
The dying process accelerates in the last week or two of life. The acceleration can be frightening for loved ones.
As death approaches, you may want to “correct” your loved one if they say things that don’t make sense—but it’s better not to. At this stage, it’s better to listen to and support your loved one rather than to risk upsetting them or starting an argument.
For example, your loved one might say that they see or hear a person who died before them. In those moments, just let your loved one tell you about it.
You might feel frustrated because you can’t know for sure whether they’re hallucinating, having a spiritual experience, or just getting confused. The uncertainty can be unsettling, but it’s part of the process.
Your approach with the dying should be comforting and peaceful…this is also an ideal time to finalize arrangements and gather family if you are yet to.
Pre-Need Care
Pre-planning your wishes at death is an excellent gift to yourself and your loved ones.
When you pre-plan, you ensure that your directives are followed at death and relieve your loved ones of the task of planning your funeral while mourning your death.
When a death occurs, the bereaved are often too overcome with emotion while making arrangements. You can give yourself and others the peace of mind of pre-planning and even pre-funding your arrangements at death.
Pre-Need arrangements do not have an age limit and can be done within the family or with an Honor-approved arrangement counselor. We have included forms to assist you in beginning the process.
Resources and Education
We recognize that during the end-of-life process, caregiving and grief can be challenging. You may feel overwhelmed or alone at times, but Honorable Legacy is your partner in caregiving, grief and end-of-life planning.
Many caregivers report having difficulty with:
- Managing their time. Caregivers often find they have less time for themselves and other family members. …
- Emotional and physical stress. …
- Lack of privacy. …
- Financial strain. …
- Sleep deprivation. …
- Being afraid to ask for help. …
- Depression and isolation.
Do not go at it alone. You are there for your loved one and we are here for you.
Explore the sections below to find resources covering caregiving, grief and activities. If you have questions about a specific topic, please contact us.
