Celebrating a Life: Blog

According to Crossroads Hospice, nearly 5 million children in the U.S. experience the death of one or both parents. Sadly, this number does not include the loss of other significant people in their lives.

To aid those grieving, the Cleveland area...

Following the loss of a loved one, there are upwards of 125 decisions to be made. One of those decisions involves arranging services. 

It’s common for families to question how long they have before services need to be held. The answer to this is...

If someone you know recently lost a loved one, it may be difficult to find the right words to say.

The intense pain that accompanies grief often makes others feel uncomfortable about offering support to those grieving. But, don’t let discomfort...

Whether your loved one was just placed into hospice care or is suffering from a terminal illness, nothing is more heart-wrenching than learning a death is near. In those final days, it’s important to enjoy your last few moments with your loved one...

Losing a loved one is never easy, but it’s often more complex when the person who passed away had a history with addiction. Along with the trauma of the death itself, the stigma surrounding addiction adds layers of complication for surviving family...

Did you know nursing care facilities have a median turnover rate of 43%?

For someone who hasn’t served as a professional caregiver, it may be difficult to understand the responsibilities that come with this role.

Caregiving is a mixed bag of trials...

Spring is in the air! The cold, snow and ice are finally starting to break, and with warmer weather on its way, there’s plenty to do and see in Northeast Ohio.

From touring gardens to visiting museums, Northeast Ohio offers both indoor and outdoor...

Memorialization is an integral part of every culture. In fact, the very practice of memorialization dates back to 35,000 B.C. 

While customs have changed over time, so too have family preferences. With more and more individuals choosing cremation,...

Following the loss of a loved one, families experience a wide range of emotions.

In the midst of grieving, surviving family members are often left in charge of planning final arrangements if the deceased didn’t preplan beforehand. This can make an...

Caring for an aging family member is a true act of love, but with it, comes a myriad of responsibilities.

For someone who hasn’t served as a family caregiver, it may be difficult to understand the physical, mental and emotional aspects of this...

Caring for an aging loved one can be one of the most rewarding, but also hardest jobs, both mentally and physically, you ever encounter in your lifetime. Family caregivers, whether it be a spouse, partner, child, sibling or grandchild, generally ...

When someone we love passes away, we want a chance to say goodbye in a meaningful and memorable way. For some families, that means arranging services with a funeral home to serve those purposes.

The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA)...

When someone you know is grieving the loss of a loved one, it can be difficult to find the right words to say.

When offering support, it’s common to use phrases like, “I’m sorry for your loss.” But, the message can lack meaning after it’s said so...

Preplanning your own funeral can provide peace of mind to you and your family. It lessens the burden on loved one’s by having a plan in place, while allowing you to put your preferences in writing. It also gives you time to think about how you want...

Following a death, many have trouble sorting through loved one’s personal possessions.

This is to be expected. Each item, no matter how big or small, is a physical reminder of your loved one’s absence. It’s a connection to the past, a distant...

Statistics show one in four people will serve as a family caregiver at some point in their life. A family caregiver is generally defined as someone, typically a relative, who is responsible for attending to the emotional and physical needs of an...

Following the loss of a loved one, there are upwards of 125 decisions to make in a short timeframe. 

Families who choose cremation must select a cremation provider or funeral home to carry out the services. Choosing the right provider for you and...

An increasing number of aging seniors prefer to remain in their own home later in life. To accommodate, we’ve discussed general home safety tips that give caregivers peace of mind. Now that the cold winter months are here, potential health and...

Welcoming the new year is a time to gather with family and friends; a time to celebrate new beginnings. However, it can also be an overwhelming experience for those who have recently lost a loved one.

As others push restart on resolutions, those...

“From caring comes courage.” –Lao Tzu

In 2016, we created the Busch Caregiver Award program to recognize the hard work of individuals in our community that have taken on the responsibility of caregiving.

The monthly program accepts nominations from...

“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, everywhere you go.”

Do you hear Bing Crosby and Michael Bublé renditions of “White Christmas” and “Jingle Bells” echoing through the mall as you prepare for friends and family to gather together? The...

Lining up plans for the holidays? Cleveland and the surrounding areas offer family friendly activities all season long during this special time of year.

Whether you’re a local, new in town or visiting family for the holidays, you’ll be sure to find...

While many families that select burial typically choose to lay a loved one to rest in a cemetery, cremation opens up the door to many possibilities.

Think scattering, for example. While there are rules and regulations related to this disposition...

Being chosen to write a eulogy for a loved one is a great honor. It’s your final gift that you can give to the deceased. But in the midst of grieving, it can be difficult to put your thoughts into words. 

A eulogy is part of a funeral or memorial...

“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”

—William Arthur Ward

What are you most thankful for in life? Perhaps, it’s food on the table. Or, a bed to sleep in at night.

With Thanksgiving around the...

If you’re experiencing grief following the loss of a loved one, you don’t have to go at it alone. A support group can help.

In Northeast Ohio, there are many grief support groups offering bereavement care and comfort. Some even offer individual...

Are you looking for ways to reduce the number of steps and stick to a budget in planning final arrangements for a loved one? If so, simple cremation may be right for you and your family.

Simple cremation is a disposition method in which a body is...

If you’ve ever experienced firsthand planning final arrangements, you know the stress it can cause. Between planning and paying for services, there are upwards of 125 decisions to be made following a death. This leaves little to no time for the...

The vast majority of caregivers value the experience of caring for a loved one; however, a survey reports that many feel overwhelmed by the tasks at some point.

Despite the fulfillment it brings, nearly 50% of survey respondents find it difficult to...

When it comes to planning final arrangements, many families opt to have a service to honor the life and legacy of the deceased.

If you’ve already decided that you would like to have a funeral, wake and/or memorial, the next step is to determine...

It’s hard to predict how a child will react to death, especially if it’s his or her first time experiencing loss.

According to Care Dimensions, suppressed feelings can often resurface in unhealthy ways throughout the various stages of grieving....

As a family caregiver, your top priority is the health and happiness of your loved one.

While you should feel proud of the comfort and care you provide, it’s possible you’re too overwhelmed with responsibilities to recognize the signs and symptoms...

According to Pew Research Center, seniors generally have lower rates of technology adoption than younger generations. Yet recently, folks 65+ have shown to be more connected than ever before. But despite an uptick in technology adoption, there still...

According to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), nearly 90% of aging seniors prefer to stay in their own home, which is commonly referred to as “aging in place.” With a growing number of seniors aging in place, general home...

When a loved one passes, there are upwards of 125 decisions to make in a small timeframe.

Fortunately, some individuals choose to preplan and/or prepay funeral plans in advance to save their family from sudden financial burdens and stressful...

Cleveland is home to many nonprofit organizations looking for dedicated volunteers willing to serve. Fortunately, many offer unique opportunities for people of all ages, including seniors. 

While volunteering is important at any age, studies show...

Did you know close to 40 million Americans serve as family caregivers today? Oftentimes, these individuals assume informal roles, assisting with daily activities on top of personal responsibilities.

If you’re one of the many Americans providing...

Caring for an elderly or ill loved one can be one of the most rewarding experiences of one’s life. While challenging at times, caregiving is full of unexpected joys. 

If you’re providing comfort and care for a loved one, developing a senior care...

Has there been a death in your family recently? If so, where did you arrange services, and with whom? How was your experience?

All too often, families select a provider because grandma and grandpa or mom and dad have in the past—regardless if needs...

Grief can impact all spheres of a person’s life, making it difficult for the bereaved to return to everyday activities.

Once a social butterfly, you may find yourself cancelling or rescheduling time with loved ones as you work through the stages of...

Summertime in Cleveland is treasured by most—the sun is out and the winter weather is long gone. While the official kickoff of summer happens every year in June, there are still plenty of weeks left to enjoy the sun and many activities happening in...

Busch’s Guide for First-Time Family Caregivers is a three-part series. This is the third post of the series. Read the second post here.

“More than 90 percent of people think that it’s important to have conversations about end-of-life care with...

Busch’s Guide for First-Time Family Caregivers is a three-part series. This is the second post of the series. Read the first post here.

Are you a first-time family caregiver? If so, you’re not alone (nearly 40 million Americans are), and you’re...

Busch’s Guide for First-Time Family Caregivers is a three-part series. Check back for the next post in the series.

Today, nearly 40 million Americans serve as family caregivers, providing assistance to an ill or aging loved one who may not be able...

The thought of planning a funeral can be overwhelming. From sharing service information with family and friends, to paying tribute to your loved one, there’s a lot to pull together in a short time.

Technology can help bring all of the elements of...

There are common questions surrounding the embalming process. Some of these include:

• What is the purpose of embalming?
• When is embalming required?
• Why is embalming necessary? 

To help you and your family understand what embalming is, and the...

Following the loss of a loved one, family members are struck with the sudden and difficult decision of finding a funeral home.

To ensure a smooth and seamless process during an already emotional time, you’ll want to choose a funeral that will help...

Having a conversation with an aging loved one about senior living can be a tricky task, especially if he or she isn’t open to the idea of moving.

Before initiating such conversations, get a sense of your loved one’s needs. Consider these questions:

The thought of death is overwhelming. Perhaps that’s why we rarely ever talk about what happens when a loved one passes.

Death may be a hard subject to talk about, but when it hits, you may not know what to do if it’s your first time planning...

The death of a loved one is one of the hardest events we face in life. Now, imagine coupling that pain with the heartache you’d feel after finding out about a loss on social media instead of from a trusted family member. 

As new platforms rise in...

Green burial is growing in popularity, as more people understand the environmental and societal benefits of natural decomposition.

This non-evasive, eco-friendly practice is free of toxic chemicals and fluids that are commonly used with earth...

“When you look at your mother, you’re looking at the purest love you will ever know.”—Charley Benetto

With Mother’s Day around the corner, you may be wondering how to express love to the motherly figure(s) in your life. Whatever your plans, make...

Just as we sit down to plan our finances, retirement or a vacation, preplanning your own funeral helps eliminate both financial and emotional burden put upon your surviving loved ones.

A survey by the National Funeral Director’s Association (NFDA)...

Selecting a final resting place for a loved one is a tough choice. You want them to be in a comforting location with potential significance to their life.

While families that select burial typically choose to lay a loved one to rest in a cemetery,...

Loss is never easy, especially for children. Their comprehension of death is limited, and children are only capable of understanding and coping with death to a certain extent. It’s likely the first time they’re confronting death in their own life,...

“Deep in their roots, all flowers keep the light.” –Theodore Roethke

As part of making final arrangements, family members often select flowers to enhance the funeral service for a deceased love one.

With pops of color, flowers are a beautiful way...

Caring for an ill, elderly or aging loved one requires a family caregiver to wear many hats—often without any formal training or medical experience themselves.

Today’s caregivers are often part of the “Sandwich Generation,” a term for baby boomers...

Having a conversation with an aging loved one about a sensitive topic, such as senior housing and care, can be intimidating, but is often important to their health and well-being. 

The thought of moving out of their own home and into a senior living...

Choosing a casket is a difficult decision for any family. It’s an integral aspect of planning final arrangements, and oftentimes, one of the most expensive purchases related to a funeral or burial.

Since the casket you choose serves as your loved...

Every day, we’re posed with questions like: How are you? What’s the weather like? Do you have dinner plans? The list could go on and on. However, when was the last time you engaged in truly deep, meaningful conversation with someone you talk to...

The rate of cremation in the U.S. is on the rise. In fact, the National Funeral Directors Association’s (NFDA) 2017 Cremation and Burial Report found that more than half of all Americans opted for cremation in 2016.

What’s more, the NFDA projects...

When preparing for the death of a loved one, you may need to make difficult decisions to ensure the best quality of life in their final days. However, with end-of-life decisions and care, it’s likely you feel overwhelmed and lost in the process....

According to the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Statistics Center, “there will be an estimated 1,735,350 new cancer cases and 609,640 cancer deaths,” in 2018 in the U.S.

Whether you’re a survivor, a newly diagnosed patient, or a loved one to...

While the responsibility of writing an obituary for a loved one can be overwhelming, it can help you recall fond memories, celebrate their achievements and honor their legacy.

What’s more, an obituary grants you the opportunity to tell a story and...

As a caregiver, it’s likely your work varies with different sets of duties.

From assisting with personal care and supervision to serving as an advocate for patients and their families, your job is challenging and rewarding— all in one.

So whether...

There’s no linear path or timeline set for grief. While each of us grieves in our own unique way, we can all benefit from expressing our emotions in a safe and comfortable environment together.

To help individuals and families get the bereavement...

For many of us, the new year means a fresh start. It’s an opportunity to let go of the past and look forward to the future.

However, welcoming the new year can be a difficult experience for those who have recently lost a loved one. And while it may...

“Caregiving often calls us to lean into love we didn’t know possible.” –Tia Walker

Busch Funeral and Crematory Services is proud to recognize the compassionate work of individuals in the Northeast Ohio community that have taken on the responsibility...

Bring out the hot cocoa and flannel pajamas! The holidays are right around the corner, and we can’t think of a better way to celebrate than with family and friends. 

Whether you have plans to travel or simply stay at home, take advantage of the...

There are many factors and choices to consider when arranging an end-of-life celebration for a loved one.

As you go through the planning process, you may find that you have some unanswered questions. For instance, you may wonder what type of...

Thanksgiving also provides us the opportunity to engage in family traditions that have been passed down from generations. Whether it’s traveling to an out-of-town family member’s home, gathering for the annual family football game or sharing what...

Talking to children about loss is never easy. Whether it’s a friend, family member, schoolmate or pet that passed, it’s likely your child will have some questions.

If you’re feeling unsure about what to say or do—you’re not alone. Each person...

Losing a loved one is an emotional time for the entire family.

Within the first 24 to 48 hours of your loss, there are as many as 125 decisions to make when planning funeral and burial arrangements.

Some funeral homes offer the ability to purchase...

“Our nation owes a debt to its fallen heroes that we can never fully repay, but we can honor their sacrifice.”

– Barack Obama

The men and women who answered our nation’s call deserve the most prestigious honor and sendoff. And when a veteran or...

October marks Family History Month, a time to celebrate those closest to us. 

But how did Family History Month come to be? According to Family Tree Magazine, in 2001, Congress passed a resolution introduced by Senator Orrin Hatch, who wrote: 

“By...

A funeral or memorial service should be as special as the life of your loved one. This rings true for the funeral home you select, as well.

At Busch, we believe a top funeral home will offer you an updated, clean and comfortable facility with a...

“To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people just exist.” –Oscar Wilde

Have you ever sat down to write a bucket list—a list of all the accomplishments and experiences you hope to achieve before you die? What did you write? Swim with...

Having a conversation with an aging parent about a sensitive topic, such as health or future living situations, can be intimidating, but is often important. From preplanning to final wishes, knowing which words to use (and what to avoid) can ease...

When someone you know experiences the loss of a loved one, your first reaction may be to help. But, you may not be sure what to say or do, especially if the deceased is only an acquaintance. This is a normal feeling, but there are several ways to...

Did you know that within the first 24 to 48 hours of someone passing, there are up to 125 decisions to make when planning a funeral? If a loved one has not already documented his or her wishes, a lot of quick decisions need to be made during an...

If you’ve ever questioned whether or not you should attend a funeral or wake—you’re not alone. In fact, if you type that exact question into Google, 1,900,000 results will appear. But, before you can answer whether your attendance is necessary, it’s...

How well do you know the people who matter most to you? You probably know a lot about the people you love, but perhaps there are questions you’ve never thought to ask. Take a second and think about the last time you sat down and had a meaningful...

My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me.” — Jim Valvano

With Father’s Day approaching, it’s time to start thinking about the male figures in our lives. Whether it’s a trip to the driving range or a...

With summer under way, Cleveland, Ohio, offers unique attractions and experiences for people of all ages to enjoy. From cultural arts to historic landmarks, seniors and their families can keep busy during the warmer months.

Continue reading for a...

Losing a loved one is never easy, and each of us grieves in a unique way. According to the National Funeral Directors Association, baby boomers see funerals as a valuable part of the grieving process but are seeking ways to make them more...

Finding the best funeral home for your loved one’s funeral or memorial service is a highly personal and emotional decision to make in your time of grief. Different criteria and features come into play on a family-by-family basis including location,...

There’s a growing problem of social isolation and loneliness in older generations. In fact, the health risks of prolonged social isolation are equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day, according the AARP Foundation.

Many times, when a loved one...

Following the loss of a loved one, you may feel stressed or lost as you search for the best funeral home. Many families may not know the right features to look for to ensure they’re getting the best value and trusted care.

For many, the following...

Email is only 45 years old. Social media is even younger. While managing digital assets is a fairly new part of preplanning, it is a crucial step in the process.

Your digital assets may contain unpaid bills, family photos and other important...

Following the loss of a loved one, you may need to travel with cremated remains. However, maneuvering through airport security can lead to additional emotional stress to those in mourning. 

If you or someone you know is planning on traveling with...

We all have unique end-of-life wishes, and it’s important to find a home that caters to yours. You deserve a celebration that represents your life and personality. 

However, it can be difficult to narrow down your options if you don’t know where...

When it comes to preplanning, there’s a lot to think about. From final resting place to financing, it’s important to ensure your loved ones understand your final wishes and have everything they need to complete them.

In addition to traditional...

For those families who choose burial, cemeteries serve as a final resting place for a loved one. Cemeteries also are a location to visit your loved one once they pass, and adorn their gravestone or monument with memories or flowers.

Cemeteries are...

Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter once said, “There are four kinds of people: those who will become caregivers, those who are caregivers, those who were caregivers, and those who will need caregiving themselves.”

Caregiving takes many forms....

In the years following a loss, holiday plans may change and traditions may shift, causing emotional stress. To help ease your experience, you can plan a few activities ahead of time.

Creating new traditions can be difficult. Yet, reminding yourself...

What’s on your bucket list? Maybe you want to travel to Paris, hit a hole-in-one, or simply spend more time with family.

Each of us has a unique list of things we want to accomplish in life, but one activity that should be on everyone’s to-do list...

Planning a funeral can be overwhelming. Many decisions need to be made, from final resting place to service or memorial details, and after a death occurs, it can be difficult to make these arrangements when grieving.

To protect your loved ones...

Losing a loved one is an emotional time for the entire family. The identification process may also be an extremely emotional situation for family members. And it may seem difficult to put yourself in the position to see your deceased loved one.

...

It is estimated that 12% of women will develop breast cancer during their lives. And every individual’s experience with breast cancer is unique. 

There are a variety of resources available that aim to offer information and support. Each resource...

When a loved one passes away, there are many time-sensitive tasks to complete. And in some situations when a death occurs, these duties must be performed while grieving.

If your loved one chooses cremation, one of the most important tasks to...

There’s a lot to know about preplanning a funeral and it’s never too early to start learning. In fact, planning a funeral or cremation requires making up to 125 decisions.

Losing a loved one is emotional, and making decisions can be overwhelming...

The pain of losing a loved one can be a very profound experience. No two people cope with grief the same and there is no right or wrong way to feel. In fact, you may experience grief differently each time you experience a loss. Even children and...

It’s projected that by 2030, nearly 71% of individuals will choose cremation.

If you’re arranging your own cremation or carrying out final wishes for a loved one, there are many important decisions to make. And in some situations these decisions...

We all grieve in different ways, but one thing is certain: it’s possible for the heartache to overtake our lives and make essential tasks seem impossible. While duties that once seemed simple may take a toll on us both physically and emotionally...

We may not know how much longer we have in life, but we can certainly prepare for our passing through end-of-life plans. When preparing yourself and family for death, you can never be too prepared. By preplanning your funeral, you can arrange and...

Selecting a funeral home for yourself or a loved one allows you to plan a unique end-of-life celebration.

There are many steps to follow when choosing the right funeral home before or after a death occurs—from selecting the location to touring...

We shop, talk to friends and pay bills online. The Internet is a part of everything we do, even how we express our feelings. It's common to scroll through Facebook and see a happy or sad status. People share their lives in short, but public, posts....

You get home from a long day of work to find your kids need money for a school function. Not only that, your parents need you to take them to the doctor in the morning, which will likely mean new medication you’ll need to buy.

This is the life of...

Digital assets are central to our everyday lives. From social media accounts to iTunes music collections, our electronic life is an extension of who we are.

When carrying out end-of-life plans for a loved one, it’s important to know and understand...

Retirement is a time when seniors adapt to many changes. You’ve spent your life building up a retirement fund to live a comfortable life, but even with your savings, you’ll likely need to make adjustments in your spending. Keep reading for tips on...

Creating a will is an emotional task. Acknowledging our own mortality can be a struggle, and putting it down on paper may be even harder. This is perhaps why 51 percent of Americans between 55 and 64 are without a will. You’re not alone.

However,...

Attending a funeral can be an emotional and awkward experience for many people. It’s not uncommon to be unsure of what to wear, who to bring or how to act. Below are answers to common questions to help make this experience a bit easier for you.

1....

Before you can arrange a cremation service, you have to verify that you have the legal authority to make the decision. To prevent disputes, Ohio law only permits certain individuals to authorize funeral, burial and cremation arrangements in a...

How many times have you made a quick decision that produced poor results? How did you feel after you made it? Research shows that people who feel rushed tend to regret their decision, even when it turns out well. You can even regret mundane...

When a loved one passes away, you may be left scrambling to pay for the funeral. You know there is a life insurance policy in place, but you might not see that money for some time. And you’re not sure if it will cover the whole cost. This is all...

Choosing a cremation service is a big decision to make. Before committing to a provider, you have the right to ask questions to ensure you’re loved one will be cared for and that you are receiving the best value within your price range.

Many...

These days, more families and individuals are choosing cremation as their final wish. In fact, the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) projects that nearly 56% will select cremation by 2020.

The small town of Haan, Germany is more than 4,000 miles (a 12-hour plane ride) away from Cleveland. But, that long distance didn’t stop Maike Piepenstock (m-EYE-kah pip-IN-stock) from journeying here to fulfill her career and travel desires.

Busch...

Cremation is a rising trend in the United States. 48.5% of dispositions were cremations in 2015, and the percentage is expected to grow to 56.2% by 2020.

Also increasing is the number of people preplanning their funerals. Did you know you can also...

Throughout your lifetime, you plan for milestones like your wedding, graduation and retirement. These occasions gather crowds for a celebration and require extensive planning to make happen. It shouldn’t be any different for your funeral—the...

Have you ever had that feeling that something important is missing? Maybe a recipe needed an extra teaspoon of sugar, or your favorite puzzle’s final piece was nowhere to be found. The final product isn’t quite right when you don’t have all the...

Believe it or not, the average cost of a funeral is $7,000 to $10,000. Yet, according to our survey of Ohio households, we found that 38% of respondents believe funerals cost $4,000 or less in total.

With this gap in perception and actual cost,...

When planning a cremation memorial you have many options to choose from, and a personalized tribute can be a loving way to say goodbye.

Every memorial service should be as exceptional as the person who died. Was your loved one always the life of the...

Over the past 50 years, cremation has grown exponentially. In fact, the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) predicts that cremation will surpass burials by 2020.

So why is cremation becoming such a common choice? Well, one of the most...

Grieving for a loved one is a process that every individual handles in his or her own way. But, for all, the funeral or memorial service is a critical phase in the grieving process. The entire funeral process allows your family to gain acceptance...

When a loved one passes away, family and close friends find themselves grieving and in emotional upheaval. In fact, studies show that individuals who must make end-of-life decisions for family members are faced with serious stress following the event

Grief support offers help and assistance for those who need extra comforting during difficult times like holidays, anniversaries and birthdays. Grief support centers help with the transition after a loved one passes, and many organizations in...

Whether you live down the road or a few states away, the holiday season is the time many of us get to see our grandkids. It’s a chance to round up the kids, partake in favorite family traditions and celebrate the holidays with the ones who mean the...

A Letter from Mark and Jim Busch

Dear friend,

Every year, we find ourselves counting down the days until the holiday season. While most of us normally view the season as merry and bright, you may not feel that way if you recently experienced a loss...

 The age old saying, “It’s the thought that counts,” is especially true when giving gifts to grieving loved ones during the holidays. Unfortunately, there is no gift big enough to take away someone’s grief or bring back a loved one. It may seem like...