Links & Info
This page provides helpful information and connections to local resources that may have services you’re looking for planning for end of life and after life care.
Definitions
Death doula: an end of life doula or doula companion provides non medical support to an individual and/or family members through the dying process. The word "doula" is Greek for servant or helper. Doulas educate and empower families, helping them cope with death as a natural and important part of life. They can help plan services and guide mourners through their rights and responsibilities. Learn more.
Disposition: what is completed with a body after death occurs. This may include cremation, burial, green burial, shrouding, organ and tissue donation, or donation for anatomical research.
Embalming: the process of preserving a deceased body. Embalming is not legally required in Alberta. Every decedent circumstance and family arrangement is unique. Embalming may be a beneficial feature for your family situation. Without it, a realistic timeline for a funeral with the body present would be around five days. Embalming will add costs. If we determine embalming would be beneficial to your circumstance, we will recommend another area funeral home to you.
Minimum preparation: is the term for providing a face wash, perhaps hair combed, eyes closed. Death is not always clean and so a minimum prep helps present simple care for simple family viewing.
Vigil: a time of waiting and watching just before a loved one passes at home or in palliative or hospice care, often accompanied by music or meditation. It is sometimes days or hours.
Wake: a social gathering after death occurs with those closest to the one who passed away, sometimes held in their home. It may be held in addition to or in place of a memorial service.
Grief resources
If only this five-letter word were as simple as one syllable. Grief is often described as a kind of beast. It surfaces, often without warning. It will catch you off guard and is very personalized. Grief is patient; so if you find yourself pushing away these emotions, just know they will be back.
Learning about the emotions of grief and loss helps to develop resilience in our lives. It is healthy to learn about the emotions you are experiencing. Don't push them away or ignore them.
A supportive community that educates about grief and offers practical and specific suggestions for moving forward, offers self-exploration and self-expression opportunities, and honours loved ones.
Confidential resource developed by families and grief experts to help you understand and work through your grief.
How to support children and teens through grief
A free online resource that helps parents support their children with words and confidence to help them grieve in healthy ways.
If you feel your grief is becoming too much, please reach out to your local Family and Community Services office. Strathcona Family and Community Services provides walk-in counselling services. Their telephone number is: 780-464-4044.
Helpful links
Alberta Vital Statistics will provide a copy of the provincial death registration for a cost of $20. Further information can be found here.
The Chief Medical Examiner’s Office (CMEO) is regularly involved in death investigations in Alberta. Further information for families dealing with the CMEO can be found here.
The Alberta Supports Contact Centre is able to provide information with regard to family and social supports in the province. Further information can be found here.
More Links
“Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.”
— Winnie the Pooh
