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Following you'll find a variety of resources to help you further explore our focus of changing the way we face death:
Books
Caring for the Dead by Lisa Carlson
The first real ‘how to’ book in the U.S. about home care of the dead. Ms. Carlson is a tireless educator and funeral rights advocate. Her book shares personal anecdotes as well as general information and contains a state-by-state listing of the laws and procedures governing home death care. In addition, if you have a question for Lisa, you can ask her directly here: Lisa Carlson on Ask.com.
The American Way of Death, Revisited by Jessica Mitford
A wry and sometimes scathing expose of the American funeral industry. Classic investigative journalism.
Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers by Mary Roach
From the jacket: “An oddly compelling, often hilarious exploration of the strange lives of our bodies postmortem.” Not for the fainthearted, but reading it is enlightening!
Grave Matters by Mark Harris
A journey through the modern funeral industry to a natural way of burial. Read Mark's blog.
Film
A Family Undertaking
Be moved and inspired by this PBS film documentary following several families through their choices for home funerals and burials. You can purchase it from Fanlight Productions at 1-800-937-4113. Also now available through Netflix. Find out more about the making of A Family Undertaking online.
The Sea Inside
Based on the true story about Spaniard Ramón Sampedro (played by Oscar nominee Javier Bardem), who fought a 30-year campaign to win the right to end his life with dignity. Widely available as a rental.
The Business of Death
A
clever little animated piece. I think Jessica Mitford would have liked it! View The Business of Death online.
Articles
The Surprising Satisfactions of a Home Funeral
“When his father and father-in-law died within days of each other, author Max Alexander learned much about the funeral industry” Read this article from The Smithsonian.
Legalities
Security for Home Funerals
Want to add another layer of security to your home funeral and burial or cremation plans? Download and fill out this legal document for Oregon, or find the corresponding one for your state.
Complete Your Own Death Certificate
Fill out your death certificate ahead of time! Why? States are quite finicky about the way this information is recorded and having it all done in advance can save your relatives much headache and stress at the time of your death. It’s something that’s easy for you to fill out in advance, as you know most of this information, but others may not. Download the worksheets for Washington here, and Oregon here, or check online for your own state’s version.
A.N.D. Designation
Did you know about A.N.D., the alternative to the “DNR” (Do Not Resuscitate) order? Read more about both designations in this article: New Designation for Allowing a Natural Death("A.N.D.") Would Eliminate Confusion and Suffering When Patients are Resuscitated Against their Wishes
Related Products & Services
Ethical Will
Have you heard of an Ethical Will? This kind of will reflects the “voice of the heart." Learn more at the Ethical Will web site.
Simple Wooden Caskets
Ever seen a simple pine casket? These are made in Oregon and shippable nationwide. They are suitable for both Green burials and Jewish burials. Find out at the Ark Wood Caskets web site.
Green Burial Council
This organization promotes “green” certification of cemeteries, providers and products. Find the Green Burial Council online here.
Home Funeral Experts & Advisers
Following are two women in the Pacific Northwest and one on the East Coast who provide support services to families wishing to be fully involved in caring for their loved ones after death:
Char Barrett is a licensed funeral director in Seattle. Find Char Barrett online at A Sacred Moment.
Nora Cedarwind Young is a death midwife, hospice chaplain and death educator in Washington State. Find Nora Cedarwind Young online at Thresholds of Life.
Beth Knox operates a resource center in Maryland dedicated to supporting, educating and inspiring families to choose home care of the dead. Find Beth Knox online at Crossings. |
