Family-Led Death Care
According to the Canadian Integrative Network for Death Education and Alternatives (CINDEA) caring for your deceased loved one at home is simpler than it may seem. The fact is for many centuries that is how the preparations following a death was handled.
- Post-death care includes getting the body from the hospital or hospice (unless your loved-one died at home); washing and dressing the body; cooling it with dry ice or Techni-Ice/Cryopak blankets; making or buying a simple shroud or casket, and decorating it as you choose; putting the body into the casket or shroud; and then finally transporting it to a crematorium or burial ground.
- After-death documentation
- Embalming is usually not necessary, and in most places there is no legal requirement to make use of a funeral home.
Post-death Support
Death Doula's
End-of-life doulas empower, educate and encourage people and their families to be involved in making decisions. The word "doula" is Greek for servant or helper. A death doula supports a person during the dying process. In Alberta doulas cost between $700 and $1650.
End-of-life doulas empower, educate and encourage people and their families to be involved in making decisions. The word "doula" is Greek for servant or helper. A death doula supports a person during the dying process. In Alberta doulas cost between $700 and $1650.
Organization |
Location |
Specialty |
Contact |
Janet Pillay Dying the Dream |
Calgary |
Compassionately supporting those approaching end of life from receipt of terminal diagnosis through to bereavement. Specializing in bedside vigils to the actively dying. |
|
Beverley Shiels Courageous Goodbyes |
St. Albert |
Providing practical & emotional support to those courageously saying goodbye to health, life or a loved one. We specialize in serving those with a terminal diagnosis and those that choose Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD). |
|
Stacy Price Soul Garden: End of Life Care |
North of Calgary, Balzac to Olds |
My approach is practical, honest and simple. One of my passions is legacy gifts, ensuring that you are leaving behind something meaningful to you for your family and friends. I will also work to assist you in making sure your paperwork is in order or any other needs you may have. |
|
Tammy Vanderloh Dignity & Grace Project Inc. |
Medicine Hat & area |
Certified End Of Life Doula and a Certified Nursing Aide. Passionate about providing Dignity & Grace around death and dying and leaving nothing unsaid or undone for our loved ones. |
|
Lee (Elicia) Andrus |
Edmonton |
Lee is a Spiritual Care Counselor/Chaplain in Edmonton and a Canadian Association for Spiritual Care Member. She works part time as a Chaplain at the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton and is currently working on completing the Contemplative End of Life Doula Course through the Institute of Traditional Medicine. |
|
Shelley Blair The Blair Group |
Edmonton |
I assist families by being a companion to loved ones. I spend beneficial time with them, allowing you to take care of yourself. My role is to provide support and comfort in a kind, compassionate manner that best suits the client and their family I fill in the gap between medical professionals and caregivers in an unobtrusive, empathetic, and respectful manner. |