24 NOV 2017 · Did you ever walk through a cemetery and wonder about the tombstones? Who designs, creates, and maintains these permanent memorials to honor our departed loved ones? If you make this kind of investment, you should know what to expect at each stage of the process. A headstone is more than someone’s name with the dates of their birth and death. Would you like to know how to add personal touches to a permanent memorial for a loved one lost? If you want to know more about designing permanent memorials, then listen to this episode of Forever in their Hearts, where host Erik Reynolds talks with Valerie Martell, Director of Operations for Martin Brothers Funeral Services about headstone options in Vancouver, BC. A permanent memorial is a place where we can go to pay our respects to those who are no longer of this earth. This episode is your chance to learn more about this funeral tradition. Obtaining a Permanent Memorial in a Cemetery The episode begins with Valerie sharing what steps you need to take to obtain a permanent memorial for a departed loved one after they are placed in a cemetery. Then Valerie explains how a funeral chapel like Martin Brothers can help when it comes to choosing and designing a gravestone to permanently memorialize your loved one lost. This kind of monument is something a family can design together. Did you know some families design headstones and have them put into place while the recipient is still alive? Different Types of Materials and Designs Next Valerie shares about the different types of materials and designs of permanent memorials. She goes on to answer questions such as: - How does the type of monument affect its future in the cemetery? - Does a headstone have to retain the traditional geometric shape? - What is the most common material used in permanent memorials? Now ask yourself these two things: Do I want a specific design on my headstone? Do I want to choose something besides a traditional headstone shape? If you answered “Yes” to either or both of these questions, then Martin Brothers can help you start planning today. Maintaining Gravestones after a Funeral Then Valerie explains about the upkeep that a family might consider when designing permanent memorials. She also points out how the weather and climate in Vancouver might affect the amount of maintenance that a headstone in a cemetery will need. If permanent memorials are ignored, then the elements could erode the letters, which means they’ll need to be redone. The episode concludes with Valerie sharing some final thoughts about designing permanent memorials for a deceased loved one who has been placed in a cemetery. Do You Have a Question about Permanent Memorials? Are you aware of the role a permanent memorial plays within the grieving process? Do you want to plan your headstone now while you still have a say in the matter? After you listen to the podcast, share your questions and comments below so we can talk them over together. Martin Brothers Funeral Services has more than 100 years of experience in providing thoughtful, dedicated services to families dealing with loss. If you are ready to take care of funeral pre-arrangements, have additional questions about their services, or are dealing with a loss, please contact them at their Vancouver office. Martin Brothers Funeral Services Vancouver: Funeral Services Centre 3398 Dunbar Street Vancouver, BC Canada V6S 2C1 Telephone Number: 778.330.7799 Toll Free Number: 1.800.382.2901 Fax Number: 778.330.7633 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MartinBrothersFuneralChapelsBcLtd Twitter: https://twitter.com/martinbrothers1

21 NOV 2017 · Have you ever attended a funeral that was different than what you’ve come to expect? Will your service incorporate traditions from your family’s culture? Cultural traditions preserve our family history and shape our personal identity, from the day we are born until time for our funeral. Different cultures have different traditions for creating memorial services for their loved ones lost. Are you aware of the various cultural funeral traditions that exist in Vancouver? If you want to know more about cultural funeral traditions, then listen to this episode of Forever in their Hearts, where host Erik Reynolds talks with Valerie Martell, Director of Operations for Martin Brothers Funeral Services about the topic based on her first-hand knowledge. Funerals allow us to pay our respects to a loved one who has passed away. This podcast is an opportunity to learn how different cultures memorialize their departed family and friends. When You Aren’t Sure What to Do Next at a Funeral Valerie kicks off the episode by addressing what the best thing to do is if you’re attending a funeral service but do not know about the specific traditions. Next Valerie offers a suggestion for those whose beliefs are compromised by a tradition, or are unsure how to respond to funeral rituals that offer an opportunity to participate in a tradition. When attending a funeral, it is important to remember that you are there to pay your respects to the deceased. Can you see how making this a priority can help at this type of service? Interesting Funeral Traditions Then Valerie talks about some interesting ways that certain religions or cultures conduct funerals. During this episode she addresses questions like: - Do interesting traditions take place within North America? - What are “grave goods” and does this practice happen in Canada? - Are coffins shaped pretty much the same in all parts of the world? Now ask yourself these two things: Do I plan to request cultural funeral traditions? Am I ready to save my family the hassle of trying to guess what I want at my service? If you answered “Yes” to either or both of these questions, then it’s time to visit Martin Brothers’ website, listed below. Altering Funeral Traditions from Other Cultures Next you’ll hear Valerie share how funeral traditions might be altered if a family decides they wish to add something that is not customary to the memorial service or funeral. Some traditions have remained the same over generations. Valerie offers a suggestion about how to honor these timeworn traditions while incorporating non-traditional aspects. Martin Brothers has a long history of helping families in the Greater Vancouver area plan funerals that respect a family’s wishes and traditions. The episode concludes with Valerie sharing the one thing she wants to drive home to listeners who may feel unsure about attending a service with cultural funeral traditions. What Customs Have You Experienced at Funerals? Have you ever witnessed interesting funeral or memorial traditions? Do you plan to include your culture’s or family’s traditions in your service? Listen to the entire podcast now and then leave your questions and personal experiences below so we can discuss them with you. Martin Brothers Funeral Services has more than 100 years of experience in providing thoughtful, dedicated services to families dealing with loss. If you are ready to take care of funeral pre-arrangements, have additional questions about their services, or are dealing with a loss, please contact them at their Vancouver office. Martin Brothers Funeral Services Vancouver: Funeral Services Centre 3398 Dunbar Street Vancouver, BC Canada V6S 2C1 Telephone Number: 778.330.7799 Toll Free Number: 1.800.382.2901 Fax Number: 778.330.7633 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MartinBrothersFuneralChapelsBcLtd Twitter: https://twitter.com/martinbrothers1

10 NOV 2017 · Have you ever heard of someone requesting no funeral service? Do you ever consider not having a funeral service yourself? When this happens, loved ones face the challenge of honouring the deceased’s final wishes while allowing themselves a time of mourning. After someone passes away who has requested no funeral, their loved ones truly have no say in the matter. Can you see the benefits of discussing funeral planning sooner than later? If you want to know more about when a loved one requests “no funeral service”, then listen to this episode of Forever in their Hearts, where host Erik Reynolds talks with Valerie Martell, Director of Operations for Martin Brothers Funeral Services about the topic. Funerals are a healthy part of the mourning process. This interview is a chance to learn about alternatives for celebrations of life that don’t include planning a memorial or funeral service. Why Do Some People Request “No Service”? The episode begins with Valerie explaining why some people request “no service” when it comes time to commemorate their life. Then Valerie goes on to explain the purpose of a funeral service and what happens to the attendees who attend a service at the funeral chapel in Vancouver. It’s only natural that we want to respect the wishes of a departed relative or friend. Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a way to celebrate their life without going against their last requests? Commemorating a Loved One Lost without a Service Next Valerie outlines some funeral or memorial service alternatives. She answers questions such as: - Are there ways to announce someone’s death without planning a funeral? - Is it okay for family to gather together to reminisce about our loved one lost? - What other things can we do at the funeral home without having an actual funeral? Now ask yourself these two things: Do I plan to request “no funeral service”? Am I aware of anyone who plans to request their family skip the process? If you answered “Yes” to either or both of these questions, then you may be interested in hearing Valerie’s thoughts on the topic.. How Can a Family Mourn While Respecting a Person’s Wishes? Then Valerie segues to some ways people can meet their own needs to mourn while honoring a departed loved one’s wishes of “no funeral service”. Valerie draws from her experiences of working at the funeral home in Vancouver to offer suggestions for other ways a family can gather without having an actual funeral. The Greater Vancouver area has a myriad of venues that are perfect for a low-key gathering to remember a loved one lost without having to plan a memorial or funeral service. The episode wraps up with Valerie sharing her final thoughts on requests for “no funeral service” and reminding that efficiency does not always mean effectiveness. Are You Considering Not Having a Funeral Service? Have you ever thought that “no funeral service” would be easier than going through all the planning? Have you ever considering planning a funeral so your family won’t have to do it? After the podcast, leave your comments and experiences below. Let’s talk through them together. Martin Brothers Funeral Services has more than 100 years of experience in providing thoughtful, dedicated services to families dealing with loss. If you are ready to take care of funeral pre-arrangements, have additional questions about their services, or are dealing with a loss, please contact them at their Vancouver office. Martin Brothers Funeral Services Vancouver: Funeral Services Centre 3398 Dunbar Street Vancouver, BC Canada V6S 2C1 Telephone Number: 778.330.7799 Toll Free Number: 1.800.382.2901 Fax Number: 778.330.7633 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MartinBrothersFuneralChapelsBcLtd Twitter: https://twitter.com/martinbrothers1

25 OCT 2017 · Have you ever found yourself mourning someone you do not personally know? Does tragedy in the news upset you, as if you’d lost a loved one? When media alerts citizens about a tragedy in the news, many people share the emotions of the people who experienced it firsthand. Although this is a topic we hope we never have to discuss, tragic events can impact people many miles away. Have you ever grieved for strangers who were victims of a tragedy? If you want to know more about coping with tragedy in the news, then listen to this episode of Forever in their Hearts, where host Erik Reynolds talks with Valerie Martell, Director of Operations for Martin Brothers Funeral Services who defines the term and offers suggestions for coping with it. Tragedies we hear about affect us, even if we weren’t there to experience it in person. This podcast is an opportunity to learn how to cope with grief after hearing of a tragedy in the news. Why Do We Grieve for Those We Don’t Know? Valerie kicks things off by explaining the grieving process, and how we become the bereaved after witnessing a tragic event. Next Valerie segues into some generalizations about things we might see in the news that could cause us to feel grief. Because we’re human, it’s natural for us to have compassion for others. How do you cope when you hear of a tragedy that took place somewhere else around the globe? How to Cope about Tragedy in the News Then Valerie discusses ways for coping with tragedy in the news. During the podcast she answers questions like: - What are some ways we can grieve with others? - Is it okay to keep our grief private and to ourselves? - Where are some places in Vancouver we can go to grieve? Now ask yourself these two things: Do I need help with coping with tragedy in the news? Have I ever grieved over a stranger? If you answered “Yes” to either or both of these questions, then please listen to this podcast, as Valerie shares valuable insight into the topic. What Can We Do for Grieving Children? Next Valerie turns to the topic of children affected by events they see in the news. Valerie explains why we’re compelled to tune in and watch the news during a tragic event, and what power we can use to help shield children from some of the details. You’ll also hear suggestions for discussing grief with a child affected by a newsworthy tragedy. The podcast concludes with Valerie sharing some final thoughts about coping with tragedy in the news, including how to recognize if you need more help with the bereavement process. Where Can I Go for Help with My Grief? Are you having trouble coping with tragedy in the news? Do you need to reach out to someone for advice? Listen to the entire podcast now and then share your questions and comments about this type of grief below. We look forward to talking with you. Martin Brothers Funeral Services has more than 100 years of experience in providing thoughtful, dedicated services to families dealing with loss. If you are ready to take care of funeral pre-arrangements, have additional questions about their services, or are dealing with a loss, please contact them at their Vancouver office. Martin Brothers Funeral Services Vancouver: Funeral Services Centre 3398 Dunbar Street Vancouver, BC Canada V6S 2C1 Telephone Number: 778.330.7799 Toll Free Number: 1.800.382.2901 Fax Number: 778.330.7633 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MartinBrothersFuneralChapelsBcLtd Twitter: https://twitter.com/martinbrothers1

19 SEP 2017 · Have you ever experienced mourning that you couldn’t discuss? Have you ever had someone close to you die, but found that their death wasn’t acknowledged by those around you? Disenfranchised grief is not just about losing someone, as Valerie explains in this episode. Sometimes when you confide in another about your grief, they interject with a personal tale that seems to be an attempt to one-up your experience. Have you ever had this happen? If you want to know more about disenfranchised grief, then listen to this episode of Forever in their Hearts, where host Erik Reynolds talks with Valerie Martell, Director of Operations for Martin Brothers Funeral Services who defines the term and offers suggestions for coping with it. Disenfranchised grief is just as important as any other type of grief. This episode is your chance to learn more about this type of grief and how to deal with it if you experience it. What Is Disenfranchised Grief? The episode begins with Valerie defining the phrase “disenfranchised grief”. Valerie explains what it is in plain terms and offers an example to help you understand how this type of grief differs from traditional forms of mourning over a loved one lost. Disenfranchised grief is perfectly normal and happens quite frequently. Based on Valerie’s definition, have you ever experienced this type of grief? Is It Okay to Grieve for Someone Who Isn’t in My Life Anymore? Next Valerie discusses grieving people who aren’t a part of our daily lives. She also provides the answers to questions such as: - Is it okay to grieve an ex-spouse who isn’t in my life anymore? - What are some benefits of grieving someone who isn’t in my life? - Is there ever a time when it’s wrong to grieve the loss of someone? Now ask yourself these two things: Have I ever grieved the loss of someone who is no longer a part of my daily life? Have I ever avoided grieving someone because I wasn’t sure it was okay? If you answered “Yes” to either or both of these questions, then this podcast may help. What Can I Tell Friends about Disenfranchised Grief? Then Valerie explains what you can tell the people around you if you think you’ll be met with criticism for grieving someone who left your life, regardless of the circumstances. When there’s someone in your life that you lose, people know that you’re grieving and show support. When you lose someone who isn’t in your daily life, people may react in a different way. Valerie expresses that it’s important to talk to someone when you experience grief of any kind. Wrapping things up, Valerie shares the one thing she wants you to remember about getting resolution for your disenfranchised grief. Do I Want to Know How to Deal with this Kind of Grief? Are you ready to learn more about disenfranchised grief? Could you use help in having your grief validated? After you listen to the podcast, ask your questions and share your experiences in the comments, where we can talk through them together. Martin Brothers Funeral Services has more than 100 years of experience in providing thoughtful, dedicated services to families dealing with loss. If you are ready to take care of funeral pre-arrangements, have additional questions about their services, or are dealing with a loss, please contact them at their Vancouver office. Martin Brothers Funeral Services Vancouver: Funeral Services Centre 3398 Dunbar Street Vancouver, BC Canada V6S 2C1 Telephone Number: 778.330.7799 Toll Free Number: 1.800.382.2901 Fax Number: 778.330.7633 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MartinBrothersFuneralChapelsBcLtd Twitter: https://twitter.com/martinbrothers1

7 SEP 2017 · Has anyone ever asked you about making funeral pre-arrangements? Do you ever think about how you’d like to be remembered by your loved ones after you’re gone? There’s more to making pre-arrangements for a memorial or funeral service than choosing songs, flowers, and a casket. Arranging these things in advance can relieve your loved ones of the burden of guessing at how you might have wanted them to remember you. Doesn’t your family deserve this peace of mind? If you want to know more about making funeral pre-arrangements, then listen to this episode of Forever in their Hearts, where host Erik Reynolds talks with Valerie Martell, Director of Operations for Martin Brothers Funeral Services who shares what you need to know to begin. This is not the first time Erik and Valerie have discussed this topic. This episode, however, is your opportunity to learn fresh insight about the advantages of planning funerals in advance. The Most Important Detail of Funeral Pre-Arrangements Valerie kicks things off by explaining the most important decision you need to make when you decide to pre-arrange your funeral or memorial service. During the podcast, she shares a common sentiment that families at the funeral home tell her once they’ve been through the process. Next Valerie details what you need to begin pre-arrangements for a funeral. Is the thing holding you back from making your arrangements the same one that Valerie reveals in this episode? The First Step in Funeral Pre-Arrangements Then Valerie outlines the funeral pre-arrangement process. During the podcast, she answers frequently asked questions like: - Is it better to call or walk into the funeral chapel to make pre-arrangements? - How much information do I need to begin funeral pre-arrangements? - Are there any special documents that I need for making funeral pre-arrangements? Now ask yourself these two things: Do I want to relieve my family of the burden of arranging my funeral? Am I ready to plan my memorial now? If you answered “Yes” to either or both of these questions, then you’ll want to visit Martin Brothers’ website where you can start the process. The Advantage of Pre-Paying for Pre-Arrangements Next Valerie discloses the advantages of pre-paying for a funeral, even if you are very much alive and in good health at the time that you begin planning at the funeral chapel. The next advantage Valerie talks about is paying the balance upfront or making payments, and the benefits of each option, as well as an advantage for Canadian residents who travel. Valerie addresses a situation when some families might be torn between pre-arranging and spending the final, precious moments with a loved one, and the pro’s and con’s of their decision. The episode wraps up with Valerie offering some final thoughts on the topic and a reminder that there’s no obligation to discuss making funeral pre-arrangements at Martin Brothers. Is Making Funeral Pre-Arrangements Right for You? Are you interested in learning more about pre-planning a funeral? Do you have questions about the process? Listen to the episode now and then share your thoughts below. We look forward to discussing them with you. Martin Brothers Funeral Services has more than 100 years of experience in providing thoughtful, dedicated services to families dealing with loss. If you are ready to take care of funeral pre-arrangements, have additional questions about their services, or are dealing with a loss, please contact them at their Vancouver office. Martin Brothers Funeral Services Vancouver: Funeral Services Centre 3398 Dunbar Street Vancouver, BC Canada V6S 2C1 Telephone Number: 778.330.7799 Toll Free Number: 1.800.382.2901 Fax Number: 778.330.7633 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MartinBrothersFuneralChapelsBcLtd Twitter: https://twitter.com/martinbrothers1

16 AUG 2017 · Do you ever wish you had a list of resources to help an elderly person deal with loss? Are you feeling helpless because you have an elderly loved one who isn’t thriving in their golden years? Fortunately there are resources, and they are right here in the Greater Vancouver area. It’s important for seniors to have a place to go for practical tips on health and how to thrive after retirement. Can you see why this is an important resource for the entire community? If you want to know more about practical tips to help seniors, then listen to this episode of Forever in their Hearts, where host Erik Reynolds talks with Valerie Martell, Director of Operations for Martin Brothers Funeral Services who shares how to help the elderly thrive. In the last episode of the podcast, Valerie shared tips to help seniors deal with loss. This episode is your opportunity to hear more and learn how to help them thrive in their golden years. Where to Find Resources for Seniors The episode begins with Valerie sharing resources for families and friends who want to help seniors deal with loss and thrive in the golden age of their retirement. Then Valerie goes on to point out the one free resource every neighborhood in Vancouver has for seniors. She also shares resources for seniors who may have mobility issues. The support from a community can be as imperative to an elderly person as help from their biological family. Can you see how the resource Valerie mentions would help connect people? Some Losses Hit Harder than Others Next Valerie explains what loss hits the hardest for seniors. She goes on to answer frequently asked questions about practical tips to help seniors such as: - Why are losses so hard on our elderly loved ones? - What goes through a senior’s mind when a peer passes away? - How do compounded losses affect grief for seniors? Now ask yourself these two things: Do I want to help a senior adult thrive in the community? Am I an older person facing the loss of my peers? If you answered “Yes” to either or both of these questions, then you’ll want to check out the resources Valerie mentions in this podcast. Slow vs Significant Changes in a Senior’s Life Then Valerie segues to the topic of action steps to make changes in the life of an elderly person, especially after a spouse dies and they are the only person left living in a home. Some decisions will require quick, significant changes but, as Valerie cautions, other changes should come about slowly because they require more thought and family-wide discussion. Valerie draws on her experiences working in the funeral chapel in Vancouver to offer sage advice based on actual conversations on the topics discussed in this episode of the podcast. The episode concludes with Valerie sharing the most common resource you can reach out to if you need practical tips to help seniors. Are You Ready to Take Action Steps? Do you need practical tips to help seniors in your family or neighborhood? Are you a senior member of the community in need of resources? After you listen to the podcast, please leave your questions and requests below so we can talk through them with you. Martin Brothers Funeral Services has more than 100 years of experience in providing thoughtful, dedicated services to families dealing with loss. If you are ready to take care of funeral pre-arrangements, have additional questions about their services, or are dealing with a loss, please contact them at their Vancouver office. Martin Brothers Funeral Services Vancouver: Funeral Services Centre 3398 Dunbar Street Vancouver, BC Canada V6S 2C1 Telephone Number: 778.330.7799 Toll Free Number: 1.800.382.2901 Fax Number: 778.330.7633 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MartinBrothersFuneralChapelsBcLtd Twitter: https://twitter.com/martinbrothers1

8 AUG 2017 · Does a loved one’s passing make you more aware of the time you have left? Can you imagine how distressing this is for an elderly person? The word “retirement” brings to mind images of travel and golfing for many, but the “golden years” come with a definite downside. Loss can come in multiple forms as we grow older. We can lose our peers, our good health, and the ability to keep up with basic, day-to-day tasks. Isn’t the thought alone distressing enough? If you want to know more about helping seniors deal with loss, then listen to this episode of Forever in their Hearts, where host Erik Reynolds talks with Valerie Martell, Director of Operations for Martin Brothers Funeral Services who offers advice on the topic. Senior family members and friends need to find a new normal that respects loss if they’re going to live life to the fullest. This interview is a chance to learn how to help them achieve it. Helping Seniors Adapt to Their “New Normal” Valerie kicks off the episode by sharing how to help seniors who experience multi-dimensional loss, such as the loss of health, loss of job, loss of peers to death, and so forth. Next Valerie goes on to offer specific suggestions for how to be present for a senior family member or other loved one with respects to the other responsibilities we have in our lives. Multi-dimensional loss can affect a person’s mental health, as well. Can you see why helping seniors deal with loss is so important to our families and communities? Multiple Losses and a Dwindling Social Network Then you’ll hear Valerie discuss the impact of losing multiple peers on the social network of an elderly person. During the podcast she provides answers for questions such as: - How can we make the elderly feel like a valued part of society? - What can we do to help someone adapt to their new lifestyle? - Do I have to make a grand gesture or can I do something small? Now ask yourself these two things: Is there an elderly person in my life? Am I a senior adult in need of ways to adjust to my “new normal”? If you answered “Yes” to either or both of these questions, then Valerie’s advice may assist with helping seniors deal with loss. Seniors and the Risk of Depression Next Valerie touches on the topic of senior adults and depression. She explains why depression, which isn’t limited to the Greater Vancouver area by far, affects so many elderly people. Valerie goes on to explain what signs to look for based on her experiences in working at the funeral chapel. These signs could be part of aging, but they could be a distress call for help. The signs of depressions in elderly adults, as Valerie explains, could exhibit themselves as mental symptoms, physical symptoms, or both mental and physical symptoms. Valerie wraps things up by reminding that these signs are not like normal grief, and outlines how the two differ. Are You Helping Seniors Deal with Loss? Is there an elderly person in your life who has trouble coping with loss? Are you an older person who battles depression while coping with the changes life brings? Listen to the podcast now and then share your questions and comments below where we can discuss them together. Martin Brothers Funeral Services has more than 100 years of experience in providing thoughtful, dedicated services to families dealing with loss. If you are ready to take care of funeral pre-arrangements, have additional questions about their services, or are dealing with a loss, please contact them at their Vancouver office. Martin Brothers Funeral Services Vancouver: Funeral Services Centre 3398 Dunbar Street Vancouver, BC Canada V6S 2C1 Telephone Number: 778.330.7799 Toll Free Number: 1.800.382.2901 Fax Number: 778.330.7633 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MartinBrothersFuneralChapelsBcLtd Twitter: https://twitter.com/martinbrothers1

1 AUG 2017 · Do you ever wonder what family history gets lost when a person passes away? Wouldn’t it be nice to have a way to keep a record of those memories? There are tasteful, heartfelt ways to incorporate these things in funeral and memorial services. Technology makes it easier than ever to record a family’s legacy. Can you see how this information might add a unique, personal touch to the celebration of someone’s life? If you want to know more about using family records in funeral services, then listen to this episode of Forever in their Hearts, where host Erik Reynolds talks with Valerie Martell, Director of Operations for Martin Brothers Funeral Services about incorporating the information. All too often, we only see extended family members at major life events, like funerals. This episode is a chance to learn how to use family records to make the service more meaningful. The Importance of Keeping Family Records The episode kicks off with Valerie explaining why it’s important to keep records about a family’s history. Then Valerie goes on to discuss how geographic location can make a difference, not only in gathering your family’s history but also celebrating the life of a loved one lost. Going to the cemetery can give a good idea of a family’s history. Can you imagine how difficult it is to maintain that tradition with families spread to all the corners of a globe? How to Research and Maintain Family Records Next Valerie lists some of the ways a family can research and maintain a record of their history. Some of the questions she answers include: - How can the internet help me record my family’s ancestral history? - How can I make a record of a family member who shares their memories? - How can local agencies help me compile records about my family? Now ask yourself these two things: Do I want a way to reconnect with my family before it’s too late? Is family history something I want to pre-plan into my own funeral wishes? If you answered “Yes” to either or both of these questions, then contact Martin Brothers for assistance. Using Family Records in Funeral Services Then Valerie uses her industry knowledge to explain how someone might incorporate family memories into their funeral or memorial service at the funeral chapel or in another venue. Valerie also shares some practical ways to create heartfelt displays that families can use to share their historic records without risking damage to the original documents. These types of displays are not only a wonderful way to connect with family members, but they also make a touching keepsake long after the memorial or funeral service concludes. The episode concludes with Valerie disclosing her final thoughts about using family records in funeral services. Could You Use More Information to Share with Your Loved Ones? Are historic records important to your family? Do you want more information about sharing them with others via a display during a funeral or memorial service? After you listen to the episode, share your comments, questions, and keepsake ideas below. We can’t wait to hear from you. Martin Brothers Funeral Services has more than 100 years of experience in providing thoughtful, dedicated services to families dealing with loss. If you are ready to take care of funeral pre-arrangements, have additional questions about their services, or are dealing with a loss, please contact them at their Vancouver office. Martin Brothers Funeral Services Vancouver: Funeral Services Centre 3398 Dunbar Street Vancouver, BC Canada V6S 2C1 Telephone Number: 778.330.7799 Toll Free Number: 1.800.382.2901 Fax Number: 778.330.7633 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MartinBrothersFuneralChapelsBcLtd Twitter: https://twitter.com/martinbrothers1

20 JUL 2017 · Have you ever thought about life from a caregiver’s point of view? Have you or someone you know felt overwhelmed with the emotional and physical exhaustion of caring for another? Caregivers often put their own needs aside to be there for a dying person. Caregivers are essential when someone needs at-home care. Are you aware of what signs to look for if a caregiver starts to feel fatigued from putting someone else’s needs above their own? If you want to know more about meeting the needs of the caregiver, then listen to this episode of Forever in their Hearts, where host Erik Reynolds talks with Valerie Martell, Director of Operations for Martin Brothers Funeral Services about caregiver fatigue. Caregivers play such an important role to an ailing loved one. This interview is an opportunity to learn how to meet a caregiver’s needs so they don’t become overwhelmed. Acknowledging Caregiver Fatigue Valerie begins the episode by addressing something we all need to acknowledge, which is when caregivers give so much to the people they’re caring for that they neglect their own needs. Next Valerie points out why it’s imperative that we recognize caregiver fatigue. Caregivers are not only essential to a single person or family, but also to our society. When we take care of the caregivers, they are better able to take care of us when the time comes. Symptoms of Caregiver Fatigue Then Valerie reviews some of the symptoms of caregiver fatigue. During the podcast she also provides answers related questions such as: - Who is most likely to suffer from caregiver fatigue? - What are common symptoms of fatigue in caregivers? - How can I help if I see these signs in a caregiver? Now ask yourself these two things: Do I know someone who may be suffering from caregiver fatigue? Could I be responsible for someone’s care at the end of their life? If you answered “Yes” to either or both of these questions, then you should know that Martin Brothers can assist you during this poignant time. How the Funeral Home Can Assist a Caregiver Next Valerie discusses some of the ways that a funeral home can help meet the needs of caregivers in their community. Valerie goes on to offer some specific ways that Martin Brothers can help caregivers in the Greater Vancouver area. There are two important things Valerie points out that must be done before the funeral arrangements can begin. She explains them during this podcast. The episode wraps up with Valerie sharing her final thoughts about meeting the needs of the caregiver when they are at risk for suffering from caregiver fatigue. Do You Know a Caregiver Who Needs Help? Have you stepped into a caregiver role? Are you aware of what signs to look for when a caregiver might feel overwhelmed? Listen to the entire podcast now and then share your questions, comments, and personal experiences below so we can discuss them with you. Martin Brothers Funeral Services has more than 100 years of experience in providing thoughtful, dedicated services to families dealing with loss. If you are ready to take care of funeral pre-arrangements, have additional questions about their services, or are dealing with a loss, please contact them at their Vancouver office. Martin Brothers Funeral Services Vancouver: Funeral Services Centre 3398 Dunbar Street Vancouver, BC Canada V6S 2C1 Telephone Number: 778.330.7799 Toll Free Number: 1.800.382.2901 Fax Number: 778.330.7633