Welcome to Ars Moriendi
Services
Our Mission
Mission: We help individuals and families navigate the final path of life’s journey with knowledge, comfort, care, and respite.
Vision: A community where every person has access to resources to navigate the art of dying well.
Our Name
​The Ars Moriendi were two books written in the 1400s that were intended to be guides to experiencing a good death. The second book included wood cut images to be used in explaining the information to those who were illiterate. With this tool, the Ars Moriendi effectively included all people. Ars Moriendi means “The Art of Dying.” We intend for the name and history to be our guide as we seek to help each person navigate the art of dying with the intention that all people in our community have the opportunity to experience a good death.
Why Does Our Community Need Ars Moriendi?
There is no residential hospice facility in the Fredericksburg area. This means that if a family member is unable to care for a dying person who desires hospice care at home, their only options are private pay assistance (assisted living or in home assistance) or obtaining Medicaid for nursing home placement. No one should be denied hospice because of their social or financial resources. We will change this situation by offering a social model end-of-life home to the community that is open to anyone who is enrolled in hospice and at the end-of-life.
Additionally, we strive to normalize conversations about death and dying through educational workshops, community events, and positive death activities. Support of the terminally ill and their support systems will be given through support groups, end-of-life doulas, and a social model hospice home. A recent study by Old Dominion University found that access to such services significantly improves the quality of life for patients and their families during this difficult journey.