End of Life Care

Funeral Planning

If you have specific preferences about your funeral, or you want to relieve your loved ones from the responsibility of making plans after your death, you may wish to make some arrangements now.

One of the first considerations is whether you want cremation or burial.  On this question, some faiths have particular beliefs, while for others, it’s up to you to decide. 

Regardless of whether you choose cremation or burial, you may need the services of a funeral home, and possibly a cemetery.  Visit a few to get an idea of prices and services.

You’ll also need to decide if you want to have a funeral service or memorial service, and if so, what form it will take. 

These are just a few of the decisions you’ll need to make when pre-planning your funeral.  To make sure your wishes are carried out properly, write out your instructions and give them to the executor of your will or another trusted person.

For more information on pre-planning your funeral, visit the Canadian Consumer Handbook.

If you need support making decisions about your advanced care or end-of-life wishes visit AdvanceCarePlanning.ca, an initiative by the Canadian Hospice and Palliative Care Association.

The Canadian Cancer Society has a database that can be used to find local support services in your area. You can access it below:

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