Home Funeral Guide Training

Learn all about how to care for the body of your loved one at home in the hours and days after death, like we used to do in the old days, and like many cultures still do around the world. Simple, natural, family-led home funerals are legal in all 50 states (some states require a funeral director to be minimally involved, Michigan included).  Home funerals can bring healing and comfort to friends and family and are a normal extension of hospice care at home. No embalming is required.

I have been training home funeral guides since 2010 and have assisted over 50 families in this sacred tradition. Please note: End-of-life doula training does not include in-depth education about how to care for the body or facilitate a home funeral.

Upcoming Trainings

Home Funeral Guide/Green Burial Training

This 7-hour training is offered once a year in the Fall. Check back for 2021 dates
Our Home Funeral Guide/Green Burial Training is for end-of-life doulas, home funeral guides, hospice workers, those in the funeral industry, or anyone who wishes to have the knowledge to plan ahead for self, family or friends.
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Home Funeral Training Details

The Dying Year Home Funeral Guide/Green Burial Training participants learn:
  • About current funeral practices in the U.S.
  • How to care for the body at home after death
  • How to create sacred space, funeral ceremony or ritual
  • Legal and cost considerations
  • How to locate and work with a funeral director
  • Special circumstances
  • Green burial (what it is and where it is available)
  • How to plan ahead and create a circle of support

End-of-life doulas who wish to be involved in caring for the body in the home after death, home funerals and green burial are strongly encouraged to become trained as a Home Funeral Guide in addition to their End-of-Life Doula Training.

If you are interested in possibly scheduling a workshop in your community, contact thedyingyear@gmail.com. Transform how families in your community care for their loved ones after death.
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​Compassionate Communities: A Public Health Approach to End-of-Life Care by Merilynne Rush, MSHP, RN, BSN