People sometimes joke about end-of-life planning with comments such as, “What does it matter? I’ll be dead!” They may be talking about why they have never made a will, why they have not planned a funeral, or why they have left closets, paperwork, and possessions for others to sort through someday. Sometimes the sentiment is expressed with a laugh: “It…
There is a profound difference between the older ways of caring for our dead and the modern systems that have replaced them. Traditionally death was understood as a natural human experience. When possible, people died at home, surrounded by those who loved them. Family and friends tended the body, sat vigil, dug graves, carried caskets, and returned the body to…
The Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment (MOST) form is an important healthcare planning tool used within Island Health and across many healthcare settings in British Columbia. Its purpose is to ensure that a person’s healthcare wishes are clearly understood and respected, especially during medical emergencies or situations in which they may no longer be able to communicate their preferences….
Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) and Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIFs) can be valuable tools for building retirement income—but they can also create significant tax implications at death if not thoughtfully planned. In Canada, when someone dies, the full value of their RRSP or RRIF is generally treated as income on their final tax return. This means the entire amount…
“I thought the earth remembered me, she took me back so tenderly …” -Mary Oliver The introduction of a shroud-only burial option in the natural burial area of the Quadra Island Cemetery marks a meaningful expansion of choice—one that honours one of humanity’s oldest burial practices, being wrapped and laid directly into the earth, without a casket. What is a…
As life has grown more complex, so has the process of dying. End-of-life planning is therefore more important than ever. While it can feel overwhelming, the time and care invested now can greatly reduce stress, confusion, cost, and conflict for loved ones later. At its core, end-of-life planning involves attending to two broad areas—your possessions and responsibilities, and your health…
Thinking and talking about medical decisions near the end of life can be difficult, but having the right information can make it easier. One important document in BC is the No CPR form—a medical order that tells health care providers not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if your heart stops. What is the No CPR Form? The No CPR form…
This was extracted from a video by Sarah Kerr, founder of the Centre for Sacred Deathcare. Talking about death can be difficult—especially if you’re in good health and not expecting it anytime soon. But the truth is, death can come for any of us at any time, and it’s still important to have that conversation, even when it feels far…
Most of us don’t expect to lose the ability to handle our own affairs — but illness, accidents, or the natural effects of aging can change that in an instant. A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal tool that lets you appoint someone to make financial and legal decisions for you if you can’t do it yourself. It’s an…
Talking about money after someone dies can feel uncomfortable—but it’s always part of the picture. Even when families do as much as they can themselves, the cost of burial can still be surprisingly high. Let’s walk through the typical expenses, starting from the cemetery and working backwards. There are two cemeteries on the island; the Wei Wai Kai Cemetery at Cape Mudge…