Preparing for Bereavement

• Planning Now Means Peace of Mind Later
• When Death Occurs
• A Plan for Recovery
• Definitions of Legal Terms

No one is ever prepared for the loss of a spouse. It is a time of great emotional stress when you may be overwhelmed by feelings of grief, fear, anger, and confusion. Despite these feelings, however, during the early hours of grief you will be required to make many decisions.

This document is intended to help you and your family plan ahead for this difficult time and thus ease the practical difficulties surrounding the eventual death of a spouse. By planning ahead, you can reduce family strain and worry, not only in the first hours and days of bereavement, but also later as you struggle to carry on.

If you have any questions, contact your Veterans Affairs District Office where a counsellor will be pleased to help you.