At Victoria Hospice we try to help families deal with practical issues and challenges such as funeral or memorial services, wills and settling the estate. Here are a number of helpful resources:

ADVANCE DIRECTIVES:
'Let Me Decide' - this Vancouver Island Health Authority project educates and encourages people to document their choices for the type of medical care they want or do not want to receive should they become incapable of making those decisions themselves. An Advance Directive  is also known as a living will.

BEGINNING TO SETTLE THE ESTATE:
Important things to consider in making business, financial and property arrangements that may need attention at this time, plus helpful contact information and resource websites.

FUNERAL/MEMORIAL SERVICE PLANNING:
Why a service is important, basic information, options including Memorial Societies, Funeral Facilities or making your own funeral arrangements, preparing an obituary or letter of tribute, plus helpful contact information and websites of funeral/memorial service planning resources.

LEGACY OF SIGHT PROGRAM:
How you can register with the Eye Bank of British Columbia and the BC Organ Donor Registry to become a corneal tissue donor.

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT CANADA:                               Applying for or cancelling government benefits: Canada Pension Plan, death benefits, survivor's pension, children's benefits:  1 800 277-9914 

http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/asp/gateway.asp?hr=en/ei/types/compassionate_care.shtml&hs=tyt#top

COMPASSIONATE LEAVE BENEFITS:                               Up to six weeks of Employment Insurance temporary income benefits are available for eligible Canadians while they are taking care of gravely ill family members: 1 800 206-7218

Find out more about counselling and bereavement support at Victoria Hospice