A Gentle Approach

Future Planning

—FUTURE PLANNING—

Planning for End-of-Life
Care & Arrangements

Many families avoid conversations about end-of-life wishes until a crisis occurs, because—let's face it! It's not an easy subject to sit and think about, let alone plan.

But planning ahead doesn't have to be complicated or difficult, and it helps you clarify your values, communicate your preferences, and reduce stress for those you leave behind.

And if water cremation is the disposition method you would like when you die, planning ahead can make sure that happens.

Step 1:  Create a Profile With Us

Create a profile by selecting “Start Arrangements” and choosing “In the future, I’m pre-planning beyond 6 months.” This will keep your wishes for water cremation, along with your vital statistics, on file so when the time comes, we can help your loved ones navigate your arrangements. 

Step 2:  Complete your Welcome Packet

After you create your profile, we’ll mail you a Gentle Water Welcome Packet. Inside, you’ll find paperwork to complete and keep with your end-of-life documents, such as your medical directive and will. This ensures that your loved ones know that you've selected water cremation, and that we are your chosen funeral home for it.

Step 3: Consider Pre-Funding

Pre-funding is optional. You'll receive periodic invitations to schedule an appointment to review your options, ask questions, and decide what’s right for your situation.

Step 3: Enjoy Peace of Mind

By planning ahead, you lighten both the decision-making and emotional load on others after you’ve died.  And you can rest easy knowing that at the time of your death, we will be there to inform and guide your people in carrying out your wishes.

— HELP WITH PRE-PLANNING —

Gentle Conversations

Explore end-of-planning on a virtual call with a death doula.

We created Gentle Conversations as a space to sit down on a virtual call with a certified death doula to explore end-of-life care options and matters of death and dying as they relate to your wishes.

It's free, and there is no pressure or obligation.

—IF YOU WERE WONDERING—

Pre-Planning FAQS

These questions are questions that come up most when people are interested in pre-planning and/or pre-funding their water cremation.

  • What is pre-planning?

    Pre-planning means sharing your wishes, basic information, and important decisions with your chosen funeral home (in this case, us!) ahead of time.


    It allows us to keep your preferences on file so your people have guidance when the time comes.

  • Is pre-planning the same as pre-paying?

    No. Pre-planning and pre-paying (also known as pre-funding) are different.


    Pre-planning means documenting your wishes and information.


    Pre-paying, or pre-funding, means setting aside funds in advance to help cover the cost of your arrangements.


    You can pre-plan your water cremation and funeral arrangements without pre-funding.

  • What is pre-funding for funeral arrangements?

    Pre-funding means setting aside money in advance for your funeral or cremation arrangements.


    This can help reduce the financial burden on your loved ones and make your wishes easier to carry out.


    Popular options for pre-funding include adding funds to a trust, a Payable Upon Death account, or via an insurance policy.

  • Do I have to pay anything to lock in my future planning?

    No. Creating a profile and documenting your wishes does not require payment.


    Pre-funding is completely optional, does not affect the support you and your people will receive at the time of your death, and can be discussed separately with our funeral director.

  • What information do you keep on file?

    We keep your basic contact information, vital statistics, disposition preferences, chosen services, and any notes you want your loved ones to have.


    This helps reduce confusion later and gives your family a clear place to begin.

  • Vital statistics include sensitive information...is that stored securely?

    Yes. Everything is stored through our provider, Parting Pro, on a secure database. 

  • What happens after I create a profile with Gentle Water Cremation?

    After you create your profile, we’ll mail you a Gentle Water Welcome Packet. Inside, you’ll find paperwork to complete and keep with your end-of-life documents, such as your medical directive and will.

  • Where should I keep my pre-planning documents?

    Keep your completed documents somewhere your trusted person can access them.


    We recommend keeping them with your other important end-of-life documents and telling your chosen person where they are.

  • Should I tell my friends/family I’ve pre-planned?

    Yes. This is one of the most important parts.


    Pre-planning can only really be guaranteed if the people who will handle your affairs at the time of your death know that the decision ecists. 


    Tell your chosen person where your documents are and how to contact us when needed.

  • Can I change my wishes later? What if I change my mind or my circumstances change?

    Your preferences, wishes, and arrangements may change as life changes, and that’s okay. You can contact us to update your information or make changes to your arrangements at any time.


    Your options for any pre-paid funds may depend on the type of pre-funding arrangement you choose. That’s why we review everything with you carefully before you make a decision.