Dispelling Myths About Death and Dying

Death and dying emerge as natural parts of life. However, few properly understand the real deal. For instance, many rely on what they see in popular culture. Death and dying are often shrouded in misconceptions and misunderstandings. Media portrayals and societal taboos contribute to these myths. As a result, they make it difficult for individuals and families to navigate the end-of-life process. It’s important to separate fact from fiction. Doing so will help you gain a better understanding dispel common myths:

Myths:Close-up of young woman holding her dying father's hand

Dying at home is no longer common.

Daughter crying at bed with dying mother with cancer in the hospitalFacts:

While many people pass away in hospitals or care facilities, dying at home is still a choice for many individuals. Home hospice care can provide a peaceful and familiar environment for the dying person and their loved ones. This option allows mourners to be surrounded by familiar faces and comforts during their final days.

Female home caregiver comforting senior man who is talking about his old photo at homeMyths

Talking about death is morbid and should be avoided.

Facts

Hopeless and upset couple in therapy. Counseling or meeting with marriage counselor or adoption psychologist. Argument and dispute about divorce, alimony, prenup, cheating, betrayal or custody battle.Open conversations about death can be beneficial. It allows individuals to express their wishes for end-of-life care and helps loved ones understand and cope with the process.

Myths

Overcome grief quickly.Leader managing crisis at time of company downfall, AI Generated

Facts

Grief is another aspect of death and dying that is often misunderstood. Some people believe that grief should be overcome quickly, but the reality is that grief is a natural response to loss and can take time to process. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, and it’s important to allow oneself to feel and express emotions at their own pace.

Myths

Cremation is harmful to the environment.

Even grief over pets can take a long time to process. Let yourself heal.

Facts

While cremation does release some emissions, modern cremation practices have become more environmentally friendly. Some facilities offer options like water cremation or use of cleaner technologies. In fact, we plan to offer aqua cremation. When we do, we will be one of the first funeral homes in LA County to do so.

Myths

piggy bank on the windowFunerals are expensive and unnecessary.

Facts

Funerals serve an important purpose in many cultures and can provide closure for the bereaved. There are a variety of funeral options available at different price points, and pre-planning can help alleviate financial concerns.

Myths

Children should be shielded from death.

Facts

Children can benefit from honest and age-appropriate discussions about death. It can help them understand the concept of death and cope with their feelings in a healthy way.

Myths

Definition of word  taboo in dictionaryDeath is a taboo subject. Fact: Death is a natural part of life and discussing it openly can help remove stigma and fear. It can also help individuals prepare for the end of life and make informed decisions about their care. Open conversations about death can be beneficial. They allow individuals to express their wishes for end-of-life care and helps loved ones understand and cope with the process. Discussing death openly can also help reduce fear and anxiety surrounding the topic, making it easier for individuals to plan for their end-of-life care.

Facts

Death is a natural part of life and discussing it openly can help remove stigma and fear. By debunking common myths and providing accurate information, we can help individuals and families navigate the end-of-life process with greater understanding and peace of mind.

Closeup of a young man with white lilies by a casket at a funeral homeAbout Foothill Funeral & Cremation in Glendora, California

Funeral directing is a unique job. The reason we enjoy it is because we love helping families during their time of need. Drop by our Glendora showroom any time. In Covina, our relationship with Sacred Heart Chapel is the perfect place for mourners to host funerals and memorial services in a grandiose yet intimate setting. We proudly serve the San Gabriel Valley, San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles Basin, Orange County, and the Inland Empire. Working in the mortuary industry since 1996, we have worked hard to build a reputation of quality, sincerity, and trust. Please allow us to help you at your time of need or in the future. Call today (626) 335-0615 or drop by our showroom.