National Resources
Family Legacy Projects
Online Resources
A Life Untold
We believe it should be easy, fun and affordable for anyone to record their life story.
Family Heritage Publishers
Saving the stories of your life in a custom book by Family Heritage Publishers may be among the most important things you ever do! It can impact lives for generations to come.
StoryWorth
Preserve meaningful moments and memories in a beautiful keepsake book. Then, share the experience with loved ones and discover stories you never knew.
U Build A Book
UBuildABook is a great way to preserve your memories. Old photos tend to yellow and get more and more brittle as time goes on and memories seem to fade, so why not preserve your family memories in a book which can be passed down?
Video Journals Online
We watch documentaries or biographies of famous people’s lives on television regularly. Now, the average person can tell their life story on video and join their family in watching it.
Video Journals Online makes it easy for individuals or families to preserve memories on video. I conduct one-on-one interviews with people from around the globe using Zoom.
I am a professional interviewer and ask questions about childhood memories, dating, hobbies, travels, jobs, etc.
Clients say the process is casual and fun to do. The finished edited autobiographical video will become a family keepsake. It’s an investment for future generations and will become more valuable over time.
A two-hour recorded and edited video costs $850. Digital photos can be added to the video for an additional charge.
Visit the website for more information.
Crisis & Mental Health Services
Crisis Services
Crisis Counselor VIA TEXTING
Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor
International Hotlines/ Resources
Suicide hotlines by country
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Resources
Resources for behavioral and substance abuse disorders – treatment referral center open 24/7 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States. Call 988 from any US phone for help.
Mental Health Resources
MysticMag
A mental health crisis can be urgent, but finding the right support takes time, can feel isolating, and may not be a straightforward process.
To help you get started, I’ve curated a list of internationally available mental health resources. If you or someone you know is in need of personal support, you can find the help you need on this list. Each resource offers contact details online, in-person, or over the phone so you can easily reach people experienced in helping others work through mental health challenges.
And remember, whether you are asking for yourself or someone you love — seeking support is always okay.
Dementia Services
Online Resources
Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.
The Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900) is available around the clock, 365 days a year. Through this free service, specialists and master’s-level clinicians offer confidential support and information to people living with dementia, caregivers, families and the public. 24/7 Helpline: 800-272-3900
Dementia.org
Dementia.org is part of the Healthcare Brands’ network of websites. Healthcare Brands provides consumers with easy-to-find and easy-to-understand health information. We work closely with the top-most echelon of experts in their respective fields to acquire and curate articles from around the world that are current and evidence-based.
Dementia Care – U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Care for Veterans with Alzheimer’s or dementia is provided throughout the full range of VA health care services. Depending on the Veteran’s needs, services may include Home Based Primary Care, Homemaker and Home Health Aide, Respite Care, Adult Day Health Care, outpatient clinic, inpatient hospital, Nursing Home, Palliative Care, or Hospice Care. Caregiver support is also an essential part of these services.
Dementia Society of America
Our programs bring much-needed education, local resources, and life-enrichment to individuals and families impacted by Dementia.
Lewy Body Dementia Resource Center
LBDRC’s mission is to raise much-needed awareness of LBD through the dissemination of information to health care professionals and the general public, while offering loving support and services to people with LBD and their care partners. By promoting these efforts, as well as early detection and diagnosis, we aim to help those living with LBD and their families find the quality support they desperately need while advocating for increased funding and research.
Funeral Resources
Online Resources
Anatomy Gifts
Anatomy Gifts Registry provides an alternative to traditional final arrangement options, including nearly free cremation services. By donating your body to science, individuals have a real and lasting way to support medical research advancements that impact the lives of future generations for decades to come. Through the benefits of whole-body donation, medical communities are able to continue to discover cures and therapies for many diseases and conditions currently afflicting patients across the world.
Funeral Program Printing & Products
24 hr turn around for programs, memorial cards & more. 1 (888) 432-8363
Green Burials
Online Resources
Green Burial Council
Green burial is a way of caring for the dead with minimal environmental impact that aids in the conservation of natural resources, reduction of carbon emissions, protection of worker health,and the restoration and/or preservation of habitat.
Recompose Life
Recompose works directly with you and the people in your life to ensure respectful, empathetic service from the time of death through the body’s transformation into soil. We’re here to support you. Contact us at (206) 800-8733
Grief Support
Online Resources
Addiction Center – 4 Ways Grief Can Lead To Addiction
Grief can be an overwhelming feeling. It can last days, weeks, months, or even years. It’s a response to the death of a loved one, a relationship, or any other meaningful situation in your life. Because grief is so emotional and can cause anger, frustration, depression, and anxiety, it’s our natural reaction to want to avoid this pain. Humans are taught to avoid pain. Everyone deals with their grief differently. Some people move away or change jobs; others might cry. Some may be unable to express how they feel, while others lash out at those around them. Some people turn to drugs and alcohol as a way to cope. There are many ways grief can lead to addiction; here are a few.
Center for Loss & Life Transition
The Center for Loss and Life Transition is dedicated to “companioning” grieving people as they mourn significant transitions and losses that transform their lives. They also have an extraordinary collection of writing by Dr. Alan Wolfelt the founder, that covers all ages, stages and unique circumstances surrounding loss and grief. 1 (970) 226-6050
Circles
Connect with other people coping with grief after losing a spouse. Join an online support group led by a mental health professional. First meeting free.
Compassionate Friends
The mission of The Compassionate Friends: When a child dies, at any age, the family suffers intense pain and may feel hopeless and isolated. The Compassionate Friends provides highly personal comfort, hope, and support to every family experiencing the death of a son or a daughter, a brother or a sister, or a grandchild, and helps others better assist the grieving family.
Grief Share
GriefShare is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. You don’t have to go through the grieving process alone. Loss and grief resources.
The National Widower’s Organization
The National Widower’s Organization is the best place to learn about how men grieve. On this site, you’ll find books, blogs, articles by experts, and much more to help you cope with your loss.
Alternative Cremation & Burial Options
Online Resources
Information about Burials at Sea
A burial at sea can be a lower-cost alternative to a traditional funeral, but doesn’t make it any less respectful, expressive, or meaningful.
Article – What to do with Cremation Ashes
With cremation, there’s a world of possibilities regarding what to do with a loved one’s ashes. While many people choose to keep their loved ones close in an urn, the sky is truly the limit. From scattering ashes somewhere special to creating a unique work of art, it’s possible to turn your loved one’s cremated remains into a legacy in itself.
Ashes at Sea
Based in California – but can make arrangements elsewhere. The journey will lead you to a timeless adventure, a moment of truth when the mind, body and heart come together in the decision to…let go. When you hold the flower-covered ash basket, then pass it to the next person. This is an act of love; best when it’s given away. Phone: (310) 372-7211 | Email: Capt. Saber at ashesatsea@mac.com and he’ll get back to you right away.
Better Place Forests (includes Pets too!)
Return your ashes to the earth beneath a memorial tree your family and friends can visit for years to come. Gorgeous landscapes become forests we will protect. We map sections, pathways and a visitor’s center to create a final resting place set in nature’s beauty. Phone: 877-830-8311 | Email: hello@betterplaceforests.com
Burial In Space – Beyond Burials
Space Burials are the new unique, affordable, and memorable way to celebrate the life of those we love. We send the remains of yourself or a loved one into space with a burial of your choosing so they can live forever in space.
The Living Urn – bio urn for trees & keepsakes (for Pets too!)
The patented Living Urn® is America’s first and leading bio urn & planting system designed to grow a beautiful, enduring memory tree, plant, or flowers with cremated remains. Please call us at (800) 495-7022 ext. 0
Navy Veterans – Burial at Sea
Questions concerning Burial-at-Sea? Please call Monday – Friday, 0730-1600 Central Time, Toll Free – 1-866-787-0081
New England Burial at Sea
Ash Scatterings and Burials at Sea from Maine to Miami and San Diego to Seattle. Captain Brad White Toll Free Reservations: (877) 897.7700 | Boat Phone: (617) 966.1986 | E-Mail: OceanBurial@aol.com
Rest Ashured – Mountains or Sea in the Blue Ridge Mountains
Rest Ashured Ash Scattering Services offer reverent ash scattering options at sea or in beautiful mountaintop settings in the Blue Ridge Mountains. 434-534-4007 | info@restashured.com | Main Office: Forest, VA | Open M-F, 9AM-5PM
Sea Burials – Florida
Celebrate your loved ones with a beautiful remembrance at Sea. Our process is healing and elegant as we honor them with a beautiful ceremony for that final goodbye. Call or Text: 954-884-8072
Caregiving Resources
Online Resources
Administration for Community Living (ACL)
The Administration for Community Living was created around the fundamental principle that older adults and people of all ages with disabilities should be able to live where they choose, with the people they choose, and with the ability to participate fully in their communities.
COVID-19 Resources for Older Adults and Caregivers
COVID-19 is a respiratory disease that continues to affect people and communities worldwide. Older adults are more likely than younger people to get very sick from the disease. The resources below are from the National Institute on Aging (NIA), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies. This information can help older adults and their caregivers learn more about COVID-19, locate resources and services in their area, and find out about participating in COVID-19 research.
Caregiver Action Network (CAN)
The mission of the Caregiver Action Network (CAN) is to promote resourcefulness and respect for the more than 90 million family caregivers across the country. Support Groups
Compassion Fatigue Awareness Project
High levels of compassion fatigue can be managed with a number of authentic, sustainable strategies. This site has numerous resources we have found for caregivers working in many professions. The Compassion Fatigue Awareness Project also offers original training materials, workbooks, and texts.
National Alliance for Caregiving
Established in 1996, NAC is dedicated to improving the quality of life for friend and family caregivers and those in their care, by advancing research, advocacy, and innovation. info@caregiving.org
National Council on Aging (NCOA)
We believe every person deserves to age well. That’s why we’re on a path to improve the lives of 40 million older adults by 2030. Learn about the work we do, the people we serve, and why equitable aging matters now more than ever.
Household Help – Online Tools
Online Resources
CaringBridge
CaringBridge is your free online tool for sharing health updates. It is an easy and ad-free way to communicate health news to family and friends—all in one place. 1 (651) 789-2300 | customercare@caringbridge.org
Help for African Americans
African Americans across the country can make use of above database that lists grants and financial assistance programs in all 50 states and DC. Our website offers details on programs that help blacks with finding help with groceries, utility bills, rent, college, medications, childcare, medical bills, housing, and more.
Meal Train
Meal Train simplifies the organization of meal giving around significant life events. We strive to simplify and promote interpersonal relationships between friends, families, and neighbors through meals.
National Organizations
Online Resources
AARP
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age.
Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Together, We Can End Alzheimer’s Disease.
American Diabetes Association
At the American Diabetes Association, we’re fighting back with research, education, and advocacy. And we’re not stopping until there’s a cure.
Comfort Keepers
Massive online resources for: general information, low income seniors, grocery shopping for seniors, video chat resources, online games, online Zoo, National Park and Art Museum virtual tours, online fitness classes, streaming radio, online TV music & theater performances, online food delivery & meal prep kits and pet care and supplies.
Organ Donation
Resources, connecting, statistic, & more. Sign up to save lives. Take a minute to help those in need. Sign up as an organ, eye, and tissue donor. Every registration counts.
Mesothelioma
Online Resources
20 Places in the Military with Asbestos Exposure and How Veterans Are at Risk
The brave men and women who selflessly put themselves in harm’s way while serving in our nation’s military were unaware that a hidden enemy lurked in nearly every setting, whether in battle, transport, or even their sleeping quarters. That enemy was asbestos, and while it didn’t cause immediate death, it slowly and quietly led to deadly asbestosis, mesothelioma, and asbestos lung cancer. Decades later, its relentless attack continues, and the death toll from military asbestos exposure continues to climb.
End-of-Life Planning Document Checklist for Families
Get a complete checklist of important end-of-life documents to prepare. Protect your wishes and ease your Loved One’s burden.
Mesothelioma and Caregivers Guide
Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that progresses rapidly, requiring increasing amounts of care over a relatively short time. Caregivers can quickly become overwhelmed with their caregiving responsibilities while coping with their grief.
Mesothelioma Grief Guide: Coping with the Loss of a Loved One
Losing a Loved One to mesothelioma is difficult, but support resources are available. Learn about the stages of grief, support groups and grief counseling.
Mesothelioma Prognosis
A mesothelioma prognosis is a patient’s overall outlook. Here’s everything you need to know including prognosis by mesothelioma type & improving prognosis.
Mesothelioma Resources for Veterans
The Mesothelioma Veterans Center was founded in 2015 to help veterans with mesothelioma get the support needed to fight this cancer. Our team consists of U.S. veterans, patient advocates and nurses, and VA-accredited lawyers.
Understanding Mesothelioma Prognosis & Tips to Help Improve It
A mesothelioma prognosis is a patient’s overall outlook. Here’s everything you need to know including prognosis by mesothelioma type and improving prognosis.
Veterans and Mesothelioma
Veterans suffer from mesothelioma at higher rates than most other demographic groups. Nearly a third of mesothelioma cases diagnosed are in military veterans. Mesothelioma.net offers veterans support through specialized medical care, assistance with VA claims, legal resources, and financial aid to manage their mesothelioma diagnosis and treatment effectively.”
At Mesothelioma.net our mission is to provide veterans with the very best in cancer treatment information, financial aid, 24/7 online support, and much more.
We also proudly sponsor The American Cancer Society, the MD Cancer Center, and the Make-a-Wish Foundation.
Veterans
Online Resources
7 Important Benefits Veterans’ Survivors Should Know
From health care to education, help is available to military families. AARP Article
20 Places in the Military with Asbestos Exposure and How Veterans Are at Risk
The brave men and women who selflessly put themselves in harm’s way while serving in our nation’s military were unaware that a hidden enemy lurked in nearly every setting, whether in battle, transport, or even their sleeping quarters. That enemy was asbestos, and while it didn’t cause immediate death, it slowly and quietly led to deadly asbestosis, mesothelioma, and asbestos lung cancer. Decades later, its relentless attack continues, and the death toll from military asbestos exposure continues to climb.
The American Legion Military and Veteran Burial Benefits and Funeral Honors
One of the eventualities in life that spouses and families of veterans face is the death of their loved one who served America in uniform. To help ease the burden on loved ones, veterans can make preparations in advance.
The Casualty Assistance Program Gold Star & Surviving Family Members – Resources
The Department of Defense’s Casualty Assistance Program makes sure that military families have support in their time of need, including understanding all benefits and other forms of assistance.
Death, Burial & Survivor Benefits for Veterans Burial Benefits, Death Benefits, and Memorial Items for Veterans
If you’re a veteran and your discharge was not dishonorable, you are probably eligible for burial in a national veterans cemetery. If you’re buried in a private cemetery, your family may be entitled to a veteran’s burial allowance. You are paying for the veteran’s burial and funeral costs. No other organization will reimburse you. You can receive military funeral honors and memorial items whether you’re interred in a veterans cemetery or a private one.
DAV – Disabled American Veterans Organization
When a death in the family happens, all too often, survivors find themselves ill-prepared to cope with the recent loss. Decisions have to be made, and if eligible, paperwork must be submitted to ensure VA benefits are received on the veteran’s behalf. If you think you might qualify for veterans’ death benefits, a DAV national service officer (NSO) can help you and your family at no charge or obligation. They are experienced with helping to ease the burden when a death in the family occurs. Find your local DAV office
Navy Veterans – Burial at Sea
Questions concerning Burial-at-Sea? Please call Monday – Friday, 0730-1600 Central Time Toll Free – 1-866-787-0081
The Neptune Society
Article and resources – Veteran Cremation Costs: What Military Members and their Families Need to Know.
The Patriot Guard
100% Volunteer organization whose main mission is to attend the funeral services of fallen American heroes as invited guests of the family. Each mission we undertake has two basic objectives:
Show our sincere respect for our fallen heroes, their families, and their communities.
Shield the mourning family and their friends from interruptions created by any protester or a group of protesters.
Additionally, we have an active Help On The Homefront (HOTH) program, which provides assistance to our veterans and their families.
Things to Know and Do Before a Veteran Dies
Sadly, our time with our loved one will come to end one day. We hope that time is in the distant future, but we know that one day we will face this loss. To help prepare you and your family, the Columbus VA Palliative Care Team has developed this resource guide.
Note: Hats off to the Franklin County Ohio Veterans Service Commission for creating this very helpful and informative Website!
Veteran Aid
Our Service Is 100% Free to Veterans and Their Families. Learn About How Much You Are Eligible for and How to Apply and et Availability, Costs and Reviews for Eligible Care Communities Near You.
We Honor Veterans
The “No Veteran Dies Alone” (NVDA) program is inspired by the program called “No One Dies Alone,” and is designed to honor Veterans and to meet the needs of those Veterans who, for whatever reason, find themselves alone. This training manual and videos created in partnership with the PsychArmor Institute and Department of Veterans Affairs assists educators in engaging the community, especially Veteran volunteers, in improving end-of-life (EOL) care for Veterans. After completing their training, these volunteers will have expertise in military culture and the dying process and be able to provide the comfort of presence at the bedside when family and friends are unable to be near their loved ones. The two videos based on the NVDA volunteer training units “Introduction to Hospice and Palliative Care” and “Concepts of Death, Dying, and Grief” provide an overview so they may contribute to the comfort as part of the care plan to honor Veterans’ preferences.
What to Do When a Veteran Has Passed Away
The passing of a loved one can be an extremely difficult, emotional time. Unfortunately, there are usually many What to Do When a Veteran Has Passed Away; decisions to be made and actions to be taken by the surviving spouse and/or children, especially if the loved one was a veteran of U.S. military service. While there are numerous benefits, honors, and services to claim in your veteran’s name, it’s helpful to be prepared and organized to ensure his or her service is properly honored.