I have been a follower of this blog for a number of years and rarely posted as I didn't feel I had anything much to contribute. However, my husband died two weeks ago and I found that maybe I do finally have something to share. Hospice had been working with us since January and their social worker put me onto an option I hadn't known about before. There is an organization called MedCure that takes bodies for research. Research is done by some of the biggest groups including Alzheimer's Association, Heart Association, Diabetes, Lou Gehrig, etc.... The one caveat is that you cannot choose. They forward the bodies to whichever organization is currently in need. Once time of death is called, Hospice contacts MedCure and they arrange for a local funeral home to step in. From that moment on, you do not need to make any decisions. The remains are prepared for moving. You do not have to arrange for services, pick out caskets or anything else other than church services or whatever the family may want. About 4-6 weeks later, the remains are cremated and returned to the family with information regarding where the body was sent.
The most amazing thing, beyond the good being done for science, is that this is all underwritten by grant funding and there is no cost to the families at all. I have read that expenses associated with Alzheimers ruins finances and this program eliminates that final shocking insult. I have received a phone call and email from MedCure confirming that they have received my husband's body and will be following through as explained in literature.
I have been very satisfied so far and have no reason to think otherwise yet. I wanted to pass this along in case it can help others. You can reach them at the address listed above if you want further information. I think this may all have to be arranged in advance, because there are time limits on how quickly the body must be preserved and sent out for research purposes.
Good luck and thank you for they help and support you have all given my over the past few years.
Liz, thank you so much for the information. Bobby always wanted to be cremated so we have always planned for no viewing. our daughter is still trying to come to terms with that but her dad told her she could do what she wished and made her the most comfortable. i think being a nurse now she might lean towards this and we could just have the celebration of life service. prayers lifted up for you Liz!
This comes with wishes for your comfort and peace.
Thank you so much for the information. This is what H wants done and now I have more information on how to actually get it done. On another topic a poster mentioned autopsy fees being waived and I had no idea contributing a brain and/or body to research would have associated fees.
Yes, dementia has already affected finances!
How kind and emotionally generous of you to take the time to share this.