End-of-Life Issues

WebMD provides a lengthy article about the conversations loved ones should have before a crisis occurs. Using real-life examples, this text explores how to deal with death and how to broach the subject.

Caring Connections is designed to help you prepare for all aspects of the death process. Visit the “Planning Ahead” section for advice on how to talk to your loved ones about your wishes and what to do if they disagree about care or bereavement issues. Learn how to talk with your health care provider, write an advance directive or will, and manage your finances.

The University of Pittsburgh Institute on Aging provides a multitude of research and resources for the elderly. Some topics discussed include advance directives, advance planning, care management, financial planning, grief and loss, insurance, legal rights, respite, and social and emotional support.

The University of Virginia Health System presents an article called “Coping With Terminal Cancer” that discusses the concept of death and how infants, toddlers, kids, adolescents and adults may view death. The article also explores the difference between anticipating loss and sudden loss, and presents questions to ask in the case of anticipated loss.

Mayo Clinic offers an article on interacting with a terminally ill loved one. Learn the best ways to support and comfort a dying person, how a relationship might change, what the emotional process often entails and how to deal with a loved one in denial of his or her impending death.

The BBC offers a “Relationships” section with many links and resources for coping with terminal illness and death. The articles in this discussion are geared toward all members of the family. Some of the topics include “Coping styles,” “Adjusting to the news,” “Euthanasia/assisted suicide” and more.

Gilbert Guide addresses the difference between hospice and palliative care, two topics frequently discussed in this section of the guide. Visit this resource if you have doubts about their distinctions.

Family Caregiving 101 outlines the best ways to communicate in the hospital setting with a focus on patients’ rights. Use this helpful information to ensure that your loved one is safely and effectively cared for, and that his or her needs and wishes are met.

Growth House, Inc. is dedicated to improving the experience of individuals undergoing hospice care and facing terminal illness. This extensive site has links that address forms of emotional and physical support. Visit the “Handbook for Mortals” section for information on various stages of death and its physical ramifications.

The National Funeral Directors Association has a “Consumer Resources” section that features information on arranging a funeral or cremation, a directory of NFDA-certified funeral homes and a “Funeral Service Help Line” offering free information on planning a funeral as well as grief counseling.

The Federal Trade Commission explains your rights as a consumer in buying funeral services. Use this site for advice on how to calculate a realistic funeral cost, and visit the links at the bottom of the page for even more advice.

WebMD provides an overview of what a funeral service often entails, and ideas on what to expect or ask for when designing your own service.

PBS presents information on “A Family Undertaking,” a film that chronicles the growing trend of at-home funerals. The “Resources” section is full of helpful external links on planning a home funeral.

United States Department of Veterans Affairs discusses burial benefits for veterans. Find resources for military funeral honors, burial flags and burial allowances, as well as links to determine your eligibility for benefits.

Texas Children’s Cancer Center offers suggestions on how to care for a dying child. Use the links near the top of the page to find information on aspects of physical and psychosocial care, as well as advice on supporting family caregivers.

Central DuPage Hospital maintains a page of information about caring for the emotional and physical needs of a dying child, as well as meeting the emotional needs of others involved in the child’s life.

Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation focuses on entertainment, education and activities as a means of helping terminally ill children and their parents cope with “pain, fear and isolation.” The site encourages users to share their stories and get involved in the Foundation’s programs. Find a Starlight chapter in your area using the “Locations” page.

Make-A-Wish Foundation grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses. Visit the “Refer a Child” link to find out who is eligible and to recommend a child for the program.

AARP has a message board on “Grief and Loss” issues. AARP presents themes and topics and encourages users to contribute their own stories and comments in response.

Family Caregiver Alliance offers links and descriptions of online support groups for caregivers. Some of the groups include the Caregiver Online Group, The Huntington’s Disease and Movement Disorders Online Group and the LGBT Caring Community Online Support Group.

Beyond Indigo provides grief support, services and products for those who are dying or grieving. Learn how to prepare for death and arrange a funeral, how best to offer caregiving and how to deal with grief. There’s also a link to “Sudden & Violent Death” that provides a forum for individuals who have lost loved ones unexpectedly.

The Compassionate Friends is a network of support for parents who have lost children. Individuals who have experienced grief and have had time to heal reach out to those who have recently experienced loss. Use this Web site to find a national chapter near you, or to contribute to the online discussion.

Kidsaid is a free resource for kids to help each other through the loss of a loved one. The site offers an e-mail support group, a place to share artwork and stories, and a forum where kids and parents can ask questions about dealing with grief.

The Dougy Center specializes in grief resources for children and families. Visit the “Center Locator” to find a location in your area, or the “Grief Support” section for links to free online advice and helpful activities, arranged by age group.