Resources for Deathcare

Preplanning & End-of-Life Preparation

What matters most to you in your final months, weeks, or moments?

End-of-life planning is a sacred act of love, a way to bring clarity, peace, and intention to how we wish our final chapter to unfold. Preplanning can be done at any stage of life and provides our loved ones with a clear roadmap for our care and body disposition, allowing them the space to be present in their grief without the stress of last-minute decisions.

Working with a death doula can help you explore your values, clarify your wishes, and complete important documents with compassion and support. Together, you can discuss care preferences, legacy projects, vigils, and final disposition choices.

Most body disposition providers (such as cremation, green burial, or terramation services) offer preplanning options and payment plans, making it accessible to begin this process now.

To find a death doula in Colorado, connect with Denver Deathcare Collective, where care is provided by our four-member team working together to support you through every stage of the end-of-life journey. You may also visit the Colorado End-of-Life Collaborative for additional resources.

Death with Dignity Options in Colorado:

Medicial Aid in Dying (MAiD):

• Under Colorado law, medical aid in dying is available to adults who are terminally ill, have a prognosis of six months or less to live, and are mentally capable of making their own healthcare decisions. Individuals must be Colorado residents, act voluntarily, and make an informed decision after being fully educated about all end-of-life options.

  They must also be able to self-administer the aid-in-dying medication. The process requires at least two doctor visits and generally takes between 15 days and three months from the initial request to receiving a prescription. Because of this timeline, it’s encouraged to begin conversations with healthcare providers early to ensure support and clarity around available options.

Voluntary Stopping Eating & Drinking (VSED):

• VSED is a conscious, voluntary choice made by a terminally ill or seriously suffering individual to stop eating and drinking in order to allow a natural death to occur. It is a legal end-of-life option in Colorado and throughout the United States.

  This decision is made by a person who is mentally capable of making their own healthcare choices and who understands the process, timeline, and physical effects. VSED can take place in one’s home, hospice, or care setting, often supported by medical professionals, caregivers, and spiritual companions who help ensure comfort and dignity throughout the process.

  While VSED does not require a prescription or medical authorization, it is important for individuals to discuss this option early with loved ones, death doula, healthcare providers, and hospice teams to create a compassionate care plan that includes symptom management, emotional support, and clear communication of wishes.

After Death Resources

Body Disposition Options:

• Water Cremation (Aquamation) Be a Tree Cremation

• Cremation: Evergreen Memorial Park

• Green Burial Options: Evergreen Memorial Park

• Terramation (Human Composting): Earth Funeral and Recompose

Pet Death & Grief

Financial Assistance:

National Grant & Assistance Organizations

• The Pet Fund: Provides financial aid for non-urgent, non-basic care for conditions like cancer, heart disease, and chronic illnesses. 

• Frankie's Friends: Offers financial aid for emergency and special care for pets with a good prognosis. 

• Help-A-Pet: A non-profit dedicated to providing financial assistance for the medical care of pets whose owners cannot afford the expense. 

• RedRover Relief: Provides urgent care grants for pets experiencing emergencies. 

• Brown Dog Foundation: Assists pet owners with vet bills for illnesses where the pet is likely to respond well to treatment. 

Local & Specialty Support

• Veterinary Practices: Many vets have funds set aside or know of local resources that can help. 

• Humane Societies & Shelters: Contact your local shelter or a humane organization for information on local assistance programs. 

• Breed-Specific Assistance: Search online for organizations that provide financial aid for specific pet breeds. 

• Cancer-Specific Support: Organizations like the Joshua Louis Animal Cancer Foundation and the Magic Bullet Fund focus on pets with cancer. 

Other Avenues for Help

• Crowdfunding: Create a page on platforms like GoFundMe to raise money from your community for your pet's medical costs. 

• Payment Plans: Services such as Scratchpay offer online payment plans for veterinary expenses. 

• Credit Cards: Inquire with your credit card company for an increase in your credit limit, or apply for a pet-specific credit card like CareCredit. 

• Workplace Programs: Some employers offer options like financial assistance programs or short-term loans. 

Pet Loss Support:

• Pet Composition and Memorial Options:

  • Water Cremation (Aquamation): Water Bridge Aquamation

  • Pet Cemetery & Cremation: Evergreen Memorial Park

  • Pet Memorial Art made with love through CC Oddities by Cera

• Pet Loss Grief Support Group led by Kristi Pashia, LCSW on the first Sunday of the month from 1-2:30pm at Denver Animal Shelter - 1241 W. Bayaud Ave. Denver, CO 80223. Sign up Here

  “Grief, I’ve learned, is really just love. It’s all the love you want to give, but cannot. All that unspent love gathers up in the corners of your eyes, the lump in your throat, and in that hollow part of your chest. Grief is just love with no place to go.”

  ―Jamie Anderson

• Community Resources:

  • Denver Deathcare Collective Monthly Grief Circles

  • Local Death Cafes

  Stay Connected

  • Grief and death are sacred teachers, guiding us back to what truly matters. Sign up for my monthly newsletter to receive stories, reflections, and offerings that honor the cycles of loss and renewal, along with upcoming ways to receive support and connect in community.

  • Book a free 15-minute connection call a space to share where you are on your journey and receive personalized support in walking with grief or preparing for end-of-life care.