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After-Death Care and Inspiration

Photo by Kelley Van Dilla

Before the Civil War, after-death care was tended to traditionally by female family members, with our loved ones laid in a parlor room for friends and family to attend to in the home. There is a growing movement to return to these traditions, and some Americans are re-learning how to care for their own deceased.

Though funeral homes can assist with some tasks, there is evidence that taking care of our own loved ones after death provides a more effective grieving experience.

When you are making end of life plans, consider how you wish for your body to be cared for after death and have these discussions with your loved ones. It is very possible (and legal!) to keep a deceased loved one at home for up to several days before burial. Family members can learn how to care for the body of the deceased.

Liz & Home Burial

When I first began delving into the world of death care, I was amazed at how many of our traditions around death have been lost. I have been fortunate to study with others in the Appalachian region who are supporting the return of rites and rituals around death. There are some essentials (like dry ice) that are important to have on hand when keeping a deceased loved one at home for a home vigil. Increasingly, family members are choosing to bathe their own loved ones after death and transport a loved one to the place of burial after some time at home. Burial options are also evolving as we continue to engage more intentionally with mortality and explore more creative options for body disposition in our country. Some of us may wish to bury our loved ones on our own property, something that is also legal depending on your locality and property size.

Please be in touch with questions about planning for after-death care and disposition options in southern West Virginia.

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