Starting an EOL project in your community

The Crestone End of Life Project arose from the wish to provide mindful, compassionate afterlife care, as well as a range of disposition choices. Experience has shown us that working consensually and empowering others through respect, education and openness results in a group that works together selflessly, with high intentionality and confidence in its service to others.

If you wish to establish an end-of-life care group, we suggest the following steps be taken:

I. Education

A. Become familiar with all Federal, State (DPHE) and Local statutes regarding care and disposition of the body.

B. Communicate with your local coroner, health department, hospice and county clerk regarding care and transport of the deceased, as well as completion of documents and types of disposition available within your locale - i.e. cremation, green or traditional burial.

C. Set up opportunities for educational training so that all EOL volunteers gain knowledge-based confidence in their skills. 'Cross training' is important so that all members have a familiarity with the entire process.

D. Create clear guidelines or an operational 'scaffolding' to ensure that all areas of the organization’s activity are addressed accurately, but still have the space to reflect the uniqueness of each circumstance.

II. Begin community outreach

A. It is important to establish a broad constituency, including those who wish to participate directly with the EOL group and those who support EOL efforts.

B. When working with those in positions of authority, it is important to take a non-adversarial attitude, focusing on both parties' wish to serve the family and the deceased.

C. Develop a community education format to provide information regarding end-of-life choices, advance directives and related documents.

D. Every aspect of this service can be rooted in selflessness, mindfulness and clarity of intention and action.

III. The three branches of this work are: Vision of Service, Administration, and Hands-On Service to the deceased and their families.

A. We strongly suggest that any end-of-life group be non-profit and provide services regardless of payment.

For more information and to talk with us about our own experiences in starting and maintaining the Crestone End Of Life Project, contact Stephanie Gaines at (719) 588-7415, or send her an email with your specific request for information.