Death Education
If we’re going to Do Death Differently, we have to educate ourselves and consider all the options. From what to say to somebody who is grieving to weighing the best options for your unique end-of-life experience, The Death Network is committed to offering fact-based information so you can explore and consider what is best for you.
Human Composting: A New Frontier in Eco-Friendly End-of-Life Care
Natural organic reduction involves placing a deceased body in a controlled environment where it decomposes naturally over time. The process is often facilitated in specialized facilities using biodegradable materials and a blend of organic elements like wood chips, straw, and alfalfa to promote decomposition. Natural organic reduction relies on the organic materials that are readily available locally, Mother-Earth has provided all that we need within our local environment to ensure that our bodies can be reduced naturally, no matter where we live.
Embracing the Joy and Beauty of a Life Well-Lived: The Concept of a Living Farewell
Death is an integral part of the circle of life, yet our culture rarely addresses it in this context. Instead, we often view it as a dark, somber event. It's time to flip the script and celebrate those we love authentically—before they are gone. Sharing love, words of affirmation, and precious memories shouldn't be reserved for after someone has passed away. It should happen while they are still alive and able to receive these blessings. Whether facing a terminal diagnosis or nearing the end of life, planning a living funeral or living wake can be a profound and meaningful way to honor a life.
End of Life Planning: The Unfinished Business Checklist for Your Family
No one wants to leave this world with unfinished business. But in all reality, it happens. We never know when it is our time to die. It could be tomorrow, or it could be many decades from now. What do you want to leave your friends and family when you are gone?
Family is often left scrambling after the death of a loved one, whether it is an expected death or not. Why? Because there was unfinished business that was not considered. Unfortunately, your family is left to wrap up your life when you are gone and finish what you cannot. Make sure they are left with the best possible instructions to do so.
The Reality of Building a Death Doula Practice
Community death care is the foundation for the work of death doulas, yet if the community is not aware of the role of a death doula, it can be challenging to secure employment. As a San Diego death doula I am concerned that there will be a bottleneck of certified death doulas who leave the profession due to the difficulty of establishing themselves within the mainstream funeral industry.
Medical Aid in Dying (MAID)
Medical aid in dying (MAID) is when a medical professional prescribes medications to a consenting patient who then takes them willingly to speed up their dying process. This concept has been a widely controversial topic. Should doctors and medical providers interfere in any way with the dying process? We are told doctors should do no harm. But what does that mean exactly?
Advance Care Planning: How to Plan for Your Medical Care
We never know when an emergency is going to strike. You may be left physically or mentally unable to speak for yourself and communicate your wishes. Who is left to make those important decisions about your healthcare?
Home Funeral: A more meaningful send-off at the end of life
Home funerals present an opportunity for your community to come together in honor of your life, to share emotions and support one another, and to do so with a fraction of the cost of a “traditional” funeral.
The Increased Need For a Death Doula
Many factors affect the rising popularity of death doulas, with probably the most important one being a growing awareness of limitations present in our current healthcare systems in addressing the emotional and spiritual needs of anyone facing death. Sometimes, traditional medical care can feel cold or impersonal while an individual may want more of a warm and personable approach to their end of life. This sense of disillusionment can lead people to seek out decision-making and planning that aims to navigate the complexities of modern death.
Navigating the Diverse Careers of the Funeral Industry
Death is an inescapable part of the human experience, and our society has developed profound rituals and practices to honor and commemorate the lives of those who have passed. At the heart of this sacred tradition lies the funeral industry, a realm that offers a diverse array of career paths for those seeking to provide solace, guidance, and dignity during life's most challenging transitions.
Honoring the Departed: The Evolving History of Funerals in America
Delve into the captivating evolution of American funeral customs, from Puritan solemnity to modern personalization.
Green Burials: The Eco-Friendly Way to Bury Your Body Without a Trace
Discover eco-friendly green burials: sustainable options, legalities, budget, and challenges in embracing environmentally conscious final arrangements.
How to Choose the Best Casket for a Loved One
our casket guide provides tips to help you understand different types of caskets, honor cultural customs, and customize your casket within your budget.
Tree Pod Burials: An Innovative, Eco-Friendly Memorial Option
Discover Tree Pod Burials, a sustainable memorial choice that is innovative, and deeply meaningful. Celebrate life and nature with this eco-friendly tribute.
Standard Cremation vs. Direct Cremation: Breaking Down the Differences
Memorializing loved ones after they pass away is a deeply personal process. For many families today, cremation has become the preferred method to honor the deceased. However, within cremation, there are options to consider. Understanding the key differences between standard cremation and direct cremation is crucial for making informed final arrangements that align with your needs and preferences.
Alternative Burial Options
With the many options available for green burials, and the modern awareness of how even the funeral industry leaves a large carbon footprint and environmental upset, natural burial practices have sparked a thought revolution around how we inter and remember our dead. Explore options that are friendlier to our bodies and to our planet.
Helpful Resources
-
![Mesothelioma life expectancy resource guide]()
Mesothelioma
Life Expectancy Guide
-
![Wake Louisiana LGBTQ+ end of life guide]()
Wake Education
LGBTQ+ End of Life Guide
