Katelynne Shepard is a writer, editor and SME who is proficient at crafting and reviewing content. She has been a full-time copywriter and editor since 2011 and has written content for Fortune 500 companies, independent law firms, indie publishers, small-business owners and mainstream websites. She specializes in parenting, lifestyle, family law, personal injury, criminal law, immigration law, astrology, personal finance, education and health care. In addition to thousands of e-commerce product and category descriptions, Verle’s work includes SEO blogs, social media posts and long-form informational articles.
Contributions
Understanding End-of-Life & What to Expect
End of life is something we’ll all experience at some point in different ways. Experts estimate that there are about 29 million people across the globe in need of some type of end-of-life care as of 2023[1]. In the United States, we say goodbye to an average of 7,000 people per day who succumb toContinue reading "Katelynne Shepard"
Getting Involved in Suicide Prevention Through Advocacy & Volunteering
Suicide is often a taboo and emotionally charged subject. Whether you’ve been personally affected, getting involved in suicide prevention advocacy can help save lives. CDC data shows that over 48,100 people died by suicide in 2021, making it the 11th leading cause of death overall [1]. There are many different ways you can contribute thoughContinue reading "Katelynne Shepard"
Coping with Suicide Loss: Grief Management & Resources
When someone you love commits suicide, you can be left with a person-sized hole in your heart and a lot of guilt and intense, complex emotions. Coping with a loved one’s suicide is a massive undertaking, but with the right tools and support, healing is possible. From learning ways to cope with your strong feelings toContinue reading "Katelynne Shepard"
Understanding Self-Harm & Why People Do It
People could self-harm for many reasons and in different ways. It’s relatively common, especially in teenagers, and involves intentionally injuring oneself. While self-harm isn’t always indicative of suicidal ideation, it’s still a serious issue that requires empathy and sensitivity. If you or someone you love is in crisis and either considering or planning suicide, pleaseContinue reading "Katelynne Shepard"
Understanding Traumatic Grief & How to Cope
Traumatic grief is a profound, often debilitating response to a sudden, unexpected loss. It causes an array of complex emotions and thoughts that can adversely affect your mental health, making it difficult to navigate daily life. Although grief is a normal reaction to loss, traumatic grief may be more intense and last longer than otherContinue reading "Katelynne Shepard"
Coping with a Chronic or Terminal Illness & Understanding Grief
Grief is a profound, overwhelming experience commonly associated with a loss. However, it’s not limited to bereavement. Grieving can be a response to other intensely stressful situations, such as a chronic or terminal illness as the gravity of the diagnosis sinks in. Learning how to cope with these complex, intense emotions is essential to yourContinue reading "Katelynne Shepard"
How to Cope With the Death & Loss of a Loved One
Every relationship you have is unique. Every loss is as well. While grief is a universal human experience, it certainly isn’t identical. After you lose a loved one, your life changes, and you have to learn to live without them. Losses can have different impacts based on the type of relationship you have. Losing familyContinue reading "Katelynne Shepard"
Grief Support Groups & Finding Comfort Before & After a Loved One’s Death
Grief has a profound impact on people. Even if your loved one has not yet passed away, you may be grappling with the reality that they will soon. Often, support from someone — or a group of someones — who is going through something similar can help in a unique way. You can find aContinue reading "Katelynne Shepard"
Cremation Laws & Regulation Around Spreading of Ashes
After the death of a close loved one, you have a lot to consider. You’re grieving, and a lot of processes take place nearly immediately after their loss while you’re probably still reeling from the news. One such consideration is cremation. If you want to cremate your loved one or if your loved one indicatedContinue reading "Katelynne Shepard"
Key Differences Between Eulogies & Remembrances with Examples
When it’s time to say goodbye, you may have an opportunity to honor a loved one’s memory through a speech or celebratory event. Whether you’re preparing a eulogy or planning a special remembrance, there are some guidelines and expert tips that can help you craft a funeral speech or other tribute that’s both respectful andContinue reading "Katelynne Shepard"
Planning a Memorial Service & Unique Ways to Honor a Loved One
Planning a memorial service while navigating your own grief is an emotionally challenging experience but one that many people face. In addition to traditional funerals and memorial services, there are many unique ways to memorialize a loved one. Explore how to plan a memorial service that honors your loved one in a personalized, meaningful way.Continue reading "Katelynne Shepard"
Transporting a Body & Repatriation Of Remains When a Loved One Dies
Given the ease of transportation today, it’s not uncommon for someone to pass away in another state or even another country from where they are to be buried. If you’re facing this situation, understanding the procedures and regulations pertaining to transporting a body or repatriation of remains can make the process easier to handle. ThisContinue reading "Katelynne Shepard"
Funeral Regulations for Compliance with State & Federal Laws
Planning funerals, memorials, and cremations is complex on a level that people outside the industry rarely appreciate. It calls for, among other things, a close and careful understanding of the sometimes tricky legal and regulatory requirements[1,2]. The process has to respect both the deceased and their survivors, follow state and federal laws to avoid legalContinue reading "Katelynne Shepard"
Budget-Friendly Funeral Planning to Honor Your Loved One Affordably
Planning a funeral comes with a heavy emotional weight, whether you’re making arrangements for a loved one who passed or future plans for the end of your own life. Funerals and memorial services often carry a significant financial toll as well. With proper planning, though, you can save on funeral costs without sacrificing dignity and respect.Continue reading "Katelynne Shepard"
How to Pay for Funeral Expenses with Life Insurance & More
When you lose a loved one, you face the emotional difficulty of the situation, but you also often have to deal with the stress of the finances of paying for a funeral. Preparing for funeral costs early eases the financial burden on your family. Learn more about end-of-life financing options. Key Takeaways Understanding Funeral, Memorial,Continue reading "Katelynne Shepard"
Navigating Funeral Costs & Financial Planning for Final Farewells
Managing funeral costs when you’re dealing with a serious illness or grief can be emotionally, financially, and practically challenging. Many people find advance financial planning helpful for reducing stress and uncertainty. In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about funeral financing to help you choose the right options for yourself or aContinue reading "Katelynne Shepard"
Understanding Suicidal Ideation Signs & Getting Help
Life can be difficult sometimes, and one may turn to suicidal ideation to cope. Suicidal ideation is a condition in which an individual experiences constant thoughts and ideas surrounding ending their lives through suicide. Suicidal ideation is considered a critical mental health issue. If you or someone you love is in crisis and either consideringContinue reading "Katelynne Shepard"
Navigating Life Insurance & End-of-Life Care Options
Financial planning for retirement and end-of-life care begins early in your career. While traditional retirement accounts can help keep your income stable, sometimes end-of-life care costs significantly more than expected. Leveraging life insurance strategically can bridge the gap between retirement income and the cost of care, helping you avoid leaving behind financial burdens for yourContinue reading "Katelynne Shepard"
Understanding Retirement & Pension Benefits After Death
Thinking about what happens after your death can be difficult, especially when you’re the primary provider for your family. However, taking the time to create a plan can ensure your loved ones are taken care of and give you and your family peace of mind. After death, retirement and pension benefits can be transferred to namedContinue reading "Katelynne Shepard"
How to Get a Death Certificate & Agencies to Notify After Death
You might feel overwhelmed by the things you need to do while grieving the loss of a loved one. The best way to cope is to tackle the legal requirements step by step. Getting a death certificate is step one. Once you have this document, you can start notifying various agencies. Key Takeaways How toContinue reading "Katelynne Shepard"
Estate & Trust Administration After a Loved One’s Death
Often when you lose a loved one, it’s hard to think about anything but the grief you’re experiencing. But, unfortunately, there are a lot of tasks that have to be handled, such as ensuring that the deceased’s last wishes are honored and that their assets are managed and distributed how they wanted. This happens duringContinue reading "Katelynne Shepard"
Workers’ Compensation Death Benefits Explained
It’s never easy to lose a loved one, and the emotional strain of a loss is only made more difficult when there’s financial uncertainty as well. Workers’ compensation death benefits exist to help survivors pull through a hard time with less worry over financial dislocation from funeral expenses and lost income. This article will diveContinue reading "Katelynne Shepard"
Navigating Health Insurance for End-of-Life Care
Whether you’re getting your affairs in order preemptively or navigating the end-of-life care process in a time of need, the cost of care can feel overwhelming. However, resources are available to help bring your out-of-pocket costs down to more affordable levels. This guide outlines health insurance for end-of-life care and other resources available. Key TakeawaysContinue reading "Katelynne Shepard"
Handling the Deceased’s Affairs & What to Do When Someone Dies
Losing a loved one is always a very difficult experience. When you’re grieving, navigating the practicalities of handling the deceased’s affairs can feel overwhelming. This guide aims to help you manage the many tasks that come with the passing of a loved one. Key Takeaways A Checklist for What to Do When Someone Dies AfterContinue reading "Katelynne Shepard"
End-of-Life Business Succession Planning Strategies
If you own a business, succession planning is an important part of your end-of-life preparations. Having a solid plan in place ensures that the business can continue in your absence, preserving your legacy and making it easier for loved ones to honor your wishes. Business succession planning also enables you to make family members, friends,Continue reading "Katelynne Shepard"
Funeral Pre-Planning & Navigating Costs for Peace of Mind
Planning for the inevitable is a practical, thoughtful step that can provide comfort and peace of mind for families and loved ones during difficult times. In this article, we look at the emotional and financial benefits of making end-of-life arrangements, identify typical funeral expenses, and compare payment options. Key Takeaways The Emotional and Cost-SavingContinue reading "Katelynne Shepard"
Financial Considerations & Planning for End-of-Life Care
End-of-life financial planning is essential in preparing for future medical care, managing your assets, and relieving family stress. It’s also an emotional process for everyone involved. However, having a comprehensive end-of-life plan informs your family of your wishes, offering guidance and peace of mind. This article explores end-of-life financial planning for seniors and lists budgetingContinue reading "Katelynne Shepard"
Power of Attorney & Advance Directives in End-of-Life Planning
Discussions involving end-of-life topics, such as living wills, advance directives, and power of attorney (POA), can be difficult. However, failing to act now could limit your loved one’s ability to protect your healthcare and financial interests. Fortunately, legal tools, such as POA and advance directives, can give your designated loved ones the ability to act onContinue reading "Katelynne Shepard"
Facing Organ Donation and Transplantation at the End-of-Life
Some people face end-of-life situations because of organ failure that could be reversed with a transplant. However, transplants can’t happen without willing organ donors. While challenging to contemplate, part of your end-of-life planning should include determining whether you’d like to participate in organ and tissue donation. Key Takeaways What Is Organ Donation? Organ donation andContinue reading "Katelynne Shepard"
Importance of Multidisciplinary Care Teams in End-of-Life Care
End-of-life care can bring many challenges, from managing physical discomfort to emotional and practical concerns. A multidisciplinary team of knowledgeable healthcare professionals and other allied providers helps keep your unique needs and wishes at the forefront of medical decisions while ensuring comprehensive care. Below, we’ll explore the roles and benefits of a multidisciplinary team andContinue reading "Katelynne Shepard"
Home Health Care: Family Caregivers vs Professionals
As we age, we often need extra support. In some cases, we may even require round-the-clock care. Both family caregivers and professional home care can help support you or your senior loved one’s well-being. No matter what you choose, it’s an emotionally difficult time as you acknowledge that you or your loved one aren’t asContinue reading "Katelynne Shepard"
Making Informed Healthcare Decisions for Yourself & Loved Ones
Throughout life, making informed health care decisions is important. Gathering information, receiving guidance from trusted providers, and making decisions that align with your own beliefs and goals can help support better chances at positive outcomes. However, that’s easier said than done. Whether you’re making end-of-life health care decisions for yourself or for a loved one,Continue reading "Katelynne Shepard"
Chronic Disease Management and Exploring End-of-Life Care
Chronic conditions can drain you physically, emotionally, and financially, and the longer they go on, the harder it can be to cope. When you or a loved one has reached the palliative care or hospice care stage, making decisions can feel that much more overwhelming. Chronic disease management requires regular attention, which you can learnContinue reading "Katelynne Shepard"