Some people want to help plan their own funeral. This could include deciding what music they would like to have played, and who will participate. Others prefer to leave it to family and friends to decide how they should be remembered.

There are some things that may be important to think about and talk through with family and friends. If someone has specific wishes as to what happens to their body after death it is important that the people around them know. Some people may want to be buried rather than cremated. Some may want to donate their organs for transplantation or donate their body to a medical school.

Resources

• Details on organ donation can be found at the Australian Organ Donor Register.
• The Better Health Channel has a fact sheet on funerals. 
• The Canadian Virtual Hospice has information on funerals.
• Choice has an article on funeral costs. Costs will vary with different features or services.
• The Australian Funeral Directors’ Association has a frequently asked questions page, which includes information on pre-paid funerals.
• Centrelink has also produced a useful guide called Help after someone has died.

Related CareSearch pages
Advance care planning
Wills
Financial resources

This page was created on 26 May 2009 and is due for review in May 2011
Last updated 15 March 2010.