Grief & Funeral Support Resources

Losing someone you love is one of life’s most difficult experiences. While a burial at sea can provide a meaningful and healing moment, grief continues beyond the ceremony.

Support is available — and families do not have to navigate this process alone.

Whether the loss is recent or occurred some time ago, professional resources in San Diego and throughout California offer guidance, counseling, and ongoing grief support for families.

Aftercare Support Through Our Licensed Funeral Home

While San Diego Burial at Sea specializes in ocean memorial services, we work closely with Funerals Your Way (our sister company), a fully licensed California funeral home.

Through that affiliation, families have access to structured aftercare resources beyond the burial at sea ceremony.

Exterior of Funerals Your Way, licensed California funeral home in San Diego
Interior chapel and event space at Funerals Your Way funeral home in San Diego
Funerals Your Way offers a dedicated aftercare program designed to assist families with:

    • Grief education and support materials
    • Guidance on practical next steps following a loss
    • Assistance with Social Security and benefit-related questions
    • Referrals to local grief support networks
    • Ongoing communication when additional support is needed

You may learn more about these resources through their Aftercare Program here:

👉 Funerals Your Way Aftercare Page

This continued support distinguishes our services from basic charter operations and reflects our coordination with licensed funeral professionals. Our coordination does not end when the boat returns to harbor — families have access to professional guidance beyond the ceremony itself.

Hospice Grief Support (Available to the Public)

Many families are unaware that most hospice organizations offer free grief support services to the community — even if your loved one was not under their care. These bereavement programs are available to the broader public and are not limited to families who previously received hospice services.

Hospice programs throughout San Diego provide:

    • Grief counseling
    • Support groups
    • Educational workshops
    • Individual guidance
    • Bereavement resources

These services are typically available for up to 13 months following a loss and are often provided at no cost.

If you are unsure where to begin, we are happy to help direct you to a local hospice bereavement coordinator.

Community & Educational Resources

In addition to professional aftercare and hospice support, the following organizations provide reliable information and guidance:

🏛️California Cemetery and Funeral Bureau

The California Cemetery and Funeral Bureau, part of the California Department of Consumer Affairs, publishes a comprehensive funeral guide to help families understand their rights and make informed decisions.

🎖️Department of Veterans Affairs

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides benefits information, burial eligibility guidance, and survivor assistance for veterans and their families.

🌿San Diego Coalition for End of Life Care

The San Diego Coalition for End of Life Care offers education and awareness resources regarding end-of-life planning and informed decision-making.

⚖️Funeral Consumers Alliance

The Funeral Consumers Alliance is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting consumers’ rights in funeral planning.

📘AARP

AARP offers publications and educational resources related to funeral planning and end-of-life considerations.

🤝Local Support Groups

Hospitals, churches, and community centers throughout San Diego frequently host grief support groups.

If you would like assistance locating a reputable group near you, we are happy to help connect you with appropriate resources.

You Are Not Alone

Grief unfolds differently for every family. Some experience a sense of peace after returning a loved one to the ocean. Others continue to process their loss gradually over time.

Seeking support is not a sign of weakness — it is part of healing.

If you have questions about resources or would simply like to speak with someone familiar with the process, we are here to help.

📞 619-987-0663
✉️ info@sandiegoburialatsea.com

Let Us Help