My Services

In person, by phone or online through What's App.

• Dementia care and advanced illness
• Palliative care and hospice
• Dealing with a serious or terminal illness diagnosis
• Supporting a loved one who’s received a life-limiting diagnosis
• Providing safe and loving hands-on care
• Coping techniques for the changes illness brings
• What to expect as death nears
• Transitions in elder life: loss of independence, moving in with family or to a continuing care/retirement community  companionship and counseling

• Bedside companionship and counseling
• Plan how your final days will feel and look
• Assistance with health care powers of attorney and advance directives
• Anticipatory grief counseling

• Anticipatory grief counseling: Develop coping skills as you support your loved one as they grapple with losing independence 
• Bereavement counseling: Be heard as you process your grief and the complex emotions and physical experiences that often come with it. Learn how to handle your grief and respond to others’ often awkward attempts at helping. 

A spiritual director or companion is a knowledgeable, empathetic person with whom to discuss your questions and help you explore your spiritual journey. See Spiritual Directors International to learn more.

Grief workshops provide education about common experiences and offer coping tools for dealing with grief and others’ reactions to your grief. Workshops are primarily educational, rather than supportive, and offer an understanding of the grief experience. Heartwood workshops are 90 minutes long and may focus on dealing with grief around holidays; honoring a particular deceased loved one; or remembering a pet.

Grief support groups offer an in-depth exploration of grief with others who are grieving. Typically four weekly 90-minute meetings, support groups allow time for reflection and connecting with others. Groups offer an intimate opportunity to process grief. Group members create a sacred space in which participants share their stories and learn from each other. 

Grief retreats are half-day experiences that allow you a respite from your grief: You might create something to remember your loved one or engage in a practice to honor them. You will also find space to care for yourself and simply have permission to slow down and relax among people who understand what you’re going through. 

Funeral planning can feel overwhelming. Having someone help you plan the service can decrease the stress on your family and loved ones. Funerals are typically held within three to five days of a death, and the body is present. Funerals usually are held at the place of worship of the deceased or at a funeral home. Funerals can also be held in a home.

A memorial service allows family members and loved ones to celebrate a life in a way that means the most to your community. The ashes of the deceased may be present, or the deceased may simply be represented in photos. Memorial services often happen months after a death, when survivors feel ready.

Celebrations of life typically focus on lifting up who the deceased was rather than grieving their death. They may happen at any time.

If you want a personalized ritual to mark your life, Heartwood can create one just for you and your community. It can include whatever feels right for you and your people; Heartwood will take into consideration what’s most meaningful for you and what those who love you will need as they begin to live without you.

Heartwood’s philosophy has always been, “I don’t want to wait till I’m dead for people to say nice things about me. I want to hear it all!” If you agree and want to have a living funeral so you can hear how you’ve affected the lives of your people, Heartwood can help you plan the party and remembrance of a lifetime for you and your community.

When you and your partner want to commit yourselves to each other legally, Heartwood can marry you and make the day special and unique to you.