About the FCAVBR
The Funeral Consumers Alliance of the Virginia Blue Ridge (FCAVBR) is an affiliate of the Funeral Consumers Alliance, a nation-wide network…
Funeral Consumers Alliance of the Virginia Blue Ridge
Protecting your end-of-life rights
Funeral Consumers Alliance of the Virginia Blue Ridge
Protecting your end-of-life rights
Resources
We have collected a wide range of helpful resources for navigating end of life choices. Learn about alternative burial and funeral practices, end-of-life rights, how and why to talk about death and dying, legal forms, medical decision-making, and more. These are arranged in alphabetical order, and cross-referenced by category.
Are You Ready? Conversations About Healthcare Decision-Making
This video, “Are You Ready? Conversations About Healthcare Decision-Making,” comes from Palliative Care Partners of the New River Valley, VA.…
Backyard Burial: What a Way to Go
A Virginia family chooses a backyard burial for their loved one, just up the hill from the house.
Body, Organ, and Brain Donation
By deciding to donate your body or organs, you can make a valuable gift to humanity and offer hope to future generations.
Books on Death & Dying
Listed here are some of many books that can provide support and information to those seeking to clarify what is important to them at end of life. Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library links are included where available.
Books on Death and Dying for Children
Here is a list of books written for children about death and dying that might make the conversation easier.
Brochures
These professionally designed brochures about funeral and end-of-life topics from the Funeral Consumers Alliance may be downloaded and printed for distribution to members or at events.
Common Funeral Myths
Uncover the truth about common funeral myths and save money by making informed choices during the funeral planning process.
Cremation Explained
What is cremation? Understand the process, benefits, and the reasons behind its growing popularity in funeral practices.
Death Away From Home
How to handle death in a foreign country, death away from home in the US, shipping the body, making cemetery arrangements and more while traveling.
Death is Universal
This video, entitled, “Death is Universal,” explores enduring themes of death and dying, created by our local FCA affiliate.
Designate an Agent for Body Disposition
Your power to designate an agent for body disposition is honored in all states. Learn more and download a pre-made form for Virginia.
Did You Forget? The Most Important Part of Funeral Planning
Salespeople urge you to plan your funeral—for “peace of mind.” But a piece or peace may be missing if you forget that funerals are for the living.
DNR Bracelets & Pendants
A DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) bracelet helps communicate your wishes to medical professionals if you become unresponsive. Authorized providers of DNR bracelets and pendants in Virginia.
Do Not Resuscitate DNR Form
Download Virginia's DNR form to execute a Durable Do Not Resuscitate Order (DDNR) that comports with your wishes in accordance with Virginia law.
Documents Everyone Needs at End of Life
These essential documents for end of life will help you to cover all the bases for yourself or a loved one.
DVD’s on Death and Dying
Many of these DVD's on death and dying are available in the Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library System, indicated by MFRL, which connects directly to that resource.
Embalming Explained
What is embalming? Are there religious concerns? Are there alternatives to embalming? Answers to these questions and more.
End-of-Life Resources
Helpful forms, to-do lists, DNR forms, and resources related to the funeral industry, and end-of-life issues.
Financial Assistance for Final Arrangements
Where to inquire for financial assistance with final arrangements, including Department of Social Services, Catholic charities, even local funeral homes.
Finding the Hospice That Is Right for You
What is hospice? Who pays for hospice? How to choose the hospice that is right for you.
FTC Funeral Rule
The Funeral Rule, enforced by the Federal Trade Commission, makes it possible for you to choose only those goods and services you want or need and to pay only for those you select, whether you are making arrangements when a death occurs or in advance. The Rule allows you to compare prices among funeral homes, and makes it possible for you to select the funeral arrangements you want at the home you use.
Green Burial & Other Environmentally Friendly Choices
This article covers the basics of green burial practices and cemeteries, reducing environmental impact, and two newer green alternatives: alkaline hydrolysis and natural organic composting.
History of the Funeral Consumer Movement
Learn about the history of the funeral consumer movement, its guiding beliefs and evolving activities and services.