Information for Families

Disposing of Medications

Disposing of Medications Donation of medications is not possible for most drugs nor is it available to many people, so you will most likely be looking for a way to dispose of expired and unused medications. Although there are pros and cons for each, take-back programs are the preferred method of disposal. Unfortunately, finding a […]

Donating Medications

Donating Medications We dispose of more than $5 billion worth of medications per year, but is there an alternative to throwing out medications? Sometimes it is possible to give them away. Before you do, it is important to know that the selling and distribution of medications are strictly regulated by State Boards of Pharmacy and […]

Dealing with Unused Medications

Dealing with Unused Medications Updated: August 22, 2023 Medicines, dietary supplements, and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs may be important for our health and well-being, but they can also be a health risk in the home, especially if there are children present. Keeping unused or expired medications, whether yours or a loved one’s after their death, creates […]

Recovering from Grief

Recovering from Grief Although you will always grieve for your loved one, the intensity of grief should fade over time. As with the experience of grief, the rate at which that happens is individual and depends on the circumstances. You cannot have any expectations when it comes to grieving. You can’t force grief away, especially […]

Dealing with Grief and Grief Counseling

Dealing with Grief and Grief Counseling Updated: August 15, 2023 Most of us will have to deal with the death of a loved one. It will be a very stressful event, even if you have gone through it before or know it is coming. Everyone experiences grief when a loved one becomes terminally ill or […]

Grief

Grief Grief is the most common feeling experienced by anyone affected by death. It is normal after a loved one’s death. You may experience anticipatory grief, which is grieving associated with an expected event.  In this case, you are aware of and will be grieving your loved one’s impending death and you may be grieving […]

Caring for a Dying Loved One

Caring for a Dying Loved One Updated: August 15, 2023 Although caring for a dying loved one is a natural part of life, there’s no handy manual. It can be difficult and stressful, especially when it comes on suddenly and you don’t know what comes next. The end-of-life experience and what your loved one might […]

What to Do Within a Few Weeks

Updated: August 21, 2023 What to Do Within a Few Weeks Settle The Estate Other Things To Do Now that you have said goodbye to your loved one, it is time to acknowledge those who have helped and begin to settle your loved one’s affairs. As with previous tasks, it all starts with the paperwork. […]

What to Do Within a Few Days

What To Do Within a Few Days Updated: August 18, 2023 Who to Notify Saying Goodbye Honoring Your Loved Ones Controlling Costs Other Things to Do Once you have taken care of the urgent tasks and decisions, there are many other tasks that you should move on to. After you have decided on the wake, […]

Immediate Tasks

Updated: August 16, 2023 Immediate Tasks There are tasks that should be done as soon as possible after your loved one’s death. You want to notify immediate family for many reasons, but and there are a few time-sensitive tasks that can’t wait. Some of them may have been planned and arranged ahead of time. If […]