Connected Heart Syndrome

It’s a documented fact that some people die more quickly after losing a partner.

The Meaning Behind Military Funerals

American military funerals are full of tradition and symbolism. These elements express appreciation for a life lived and sometimes given in service to the nation.

When Doctor Becomes Patient

Kate Granger, a doctor who was diagnosed with terminal cancer three years ago, has made it her mission to make treatment more compassionate. She was kind enough to talk with Legacy about what she’s learned from living with terminal illness—and how doctors can better serve their patients.

How to Write a Living Will

Your living will is the final word if you are unable to communicate a choice due to illness or injury.

Dying Surrounded by Laughter and Song

A hospice volunteer shares insights inspired by two peaceful deaths.

Born to be Wild at the End of Life

Adrian was a rocker from way back, born to be wild. 

In the Presence of Death

...it is a unique and rare privilege to be in the presence of death, to face this ultimate reality of life right in front of me.

The Two Biggest Regrets at the End of Life

We looked at hundreds of obituaries containing the keywords "biggest regret." Most peoples' regrets fell into two major categories.

Massage Therapy at the End of Life

Today's hospices are adding new therapies to bring their patients comfort and relief in their final days. One of these therapies is massage. We talked to Tami Legler-Roberts, a hospice massage therapist, about how she discovered a passion for helping patients at the end of their lives.

Funeral Music Across Cultures

The emotional power of music makes it a natural part of funeral ceremonies, no matter which culture you belong to.

What It's Like to Comfort the Dying

is a series dedicated to opening conversations around death and dying, and how acknowledging our mortality can help us live better. In this interview, we learn from the unique perspective of a chaplain working in hospice.

What Are Your Options for a Green Funeral?

Five approaches for a more environmentally friendly end of life.

Living Her Dying – Lessons from a Young Woman

We are all humans together somewhere on the continuum of living and dying.

The Intimacy of Care

Being with people at the end of life as a volunteer caregiver with Zen Hospice Project for the past 15 months has felt like finding home.

Music is Good for the Soul, in Sickness and in Health

Music is an inextricable part of the human experience. We hear it in the womb, we play it as we say goodbye at funerals... and increasingly, music is used in hospice to enhance the last months of life in myriad ways.

Witnessing Two Deaths

Sometimes dying is full of confusion, fear, regret, denial, secrets, and chaos. Grief and conflict swirl through the person dying as well as through their family and friends. Decades of emotional and social dynamics intensify and sometimes remain unresolved at the end of life. This is especially true when someone is facing what we think of as an “early” death — the death of someone not yet in old age, someone who’s busy with children and career, has relationships in process, and still has so much left to do. Death can feel entirely wrong, cruel even, and like it comes far too soon.

What It's Like To Care for a Terminally Ill Child

In many ways, Beth Bischoff-Taylor is like any other mom of a young child. She shares lots of pictures and videos of her son, Miles, on Facebook. She excitedly trumpets his milestones and achievements. She wakes up extra early to get to the gym before his day begins. She is busy, busy, busy, struggling to fit in a lunch date with a friend or a Target run.

Caring for a Terminally Ill Loved One: First Take Care of Yourself

Self-care takes a back seat when we care for dying loved ones. But it's one of the most important considerations in an emotionally and physically harrowing time.

Should I Have a Traditional Funeral Service?

Through countless variations, the classic funeral format endures.

Taking Care of the Last Budget First

Including a funeral in your financial plan can save your family extra stress.

What Is Durable POA for Health Care?

This power-of-attorney directive specifies who can make medical decisions if you're incapacitated.

What Is Durable POA for Finances?

This power-of-attorney directive specifies who can make financial decisions if you're incapacitated.

What is a HIPAA Release and Why Do I Need One?

This document allows family members to access your medical care information.

What Funeral Benefits Am I Eligible For?

There are many government and private programs designed to help families pay for funerals. As you plan a funeral, make sure you and your family know what benefits are available. ( .)

What to Do When a Veteran Dies

When you’re grieving a loss, just the idea of paperwork may feel overwhelming. But when your partner was a member of the armed services, you know that needing signatures and signoffs is part of the process. To help you navigate this difficult time as smoothly as possible, here’s a checklist of what you have to do when a veteran passes away.

How Cemeteries Work: Questions About Cemetery Grounds

Things to consider when choosing a cemetery for a funeral.

What Is a Living Will or DNR Order?

A living will is a document you can create that details what lifesaving medical procedures you do or don't want performed on you in the event of your terminal illness or injury. It's used when you are unable to speak your wishes.

Where to Store Your Will (Like Aretha Franklin Didn't)

Your family can't honor your last wishes if they can't find your will.

How to Choose a Pallbearer

Serving as pallbearer is a position of honor. Here are tips on who to ask.

How to Find the Best Burial Insurance Policy

What final expenses does burial insurance cover? And is funeral insurance right for you?

Palliative Care vs. Hospice: What's the Difference?

Palliative care and hospice are both prescribed to provide comfort and relief to someone who is suffering from an illness or medical condition. But they're not the same thing. 

End-of-Life Signs and Symptoms

When someone is approaching death, especially an elderly person or someone with a terminal illness, their body and behavior go through a number of changes. Recognizing these changes can help you understand your loved one's journey as their life comes to an end.

What Is a Living Funeral?

Celebrating life before the end lets everyone share in the love.

What Documents Need to be Prepared Before a Death?

These six papers need to be ready so everyone can rest a little easier.

What to Do When a Loved One is Terminal

If your loved one has received a terminal diagnosis, you are likely scared and/or overwhelmed. You know there's a lot for you to do, as you're an important part of their support system, but you don't know what it all is. Here's a checklist of what needs to be done to provide care and prepare for their death.

Burial vs. Cremation: Pros, Cons, and How to Decide the Best Option

“Do I want to be buried or cremated?” is a decision we all must face in the end. 

Burial and Cremation Alternatives

Our guide to the most common alternatives to standard burial or cremation.

As Death Gets Closer: The Last Days and Hours at Hospice

I'm honored to stand witness to those intimate, vulnerable moments.

12 of the Best Famous Eulogies (Examples for Inspiration)

Writing and delivering a eulogy can be challenging. Most of us are not professional speakers, and grief makes finding the ability to say the right thing even more difficult.