End of Life Planning Services
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Legal & Financial
You've worked hard to build your life and assets. Without proper documentation, your legacy may be distributed against your wishes, and critical healthcare decisions could be made without your input—potentially creating unnecessary stress for your family.
How I Help:
- Guide you through creating or updating your will
- Facilitate power of attorney designations
- Ensure healthcare proxy documentation is properly executed
- Connect you with trusted legal professionals when specialized advice is needed
- Create an organized system for all your important documents
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Healthcare Decisions
Medical crises can arise unexpectedly at any stage of life—regardless of age or health status. Having your medical decisions clearly documented is a profound gift that provides immediate clarity about your preferences without placing the emotional burden of life-altering choices on your loved ones during moments of crisis.
How I Help:
- Explain the differences between various advance directives
- Assist with DNR/DNI documentation
- Explore palliative care and hospice options in your community
- Document medical preferences and ensure they're accessible when needed
- Facilitate conversations with healthcare providers to ensure your wishes are understood
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Practical Arrangements
The practical details of research, availability, and affordability during end-of-life planning often create the most stress for families during an already difficult time.
How I Help:
- Research housing and care options based on your specific needs and preferences
- Guide you through burial, cremation, and memorial service planning
- Document specific personal wishes for end-of-life care and ceremonies
- Implement home organization systems for important documents
- Develop a digital legacy plan for online accounts and digital assets
- Create comprehensive documentation of all arrangements for easy access
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Support Systems
A thoughtfully designed circle of care provides essential emotional and practical support through life transitions and end-of-life journeys.
How I Help:
- Map your existing support network and identify potential gaps
- Develop contingency plans for various scenarios
- Connect you with appropriate counseling resources and support groups
- Liaise with spiritual or religious organizations important to your journey
- Facilitate family meetings to discuss care responsibilities and support needs
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Honoring & Remembering
The journey of life is filled with meaningful moments, relationships, and wisdom that deserve to be preserved and shared. Creating intentional legacy projects ensures your values, stories, and love continue to inspire and comfort those you leave behind.
How I Help:
- Guide you through the Life Review process to reflect on your journey
- Support you in writing your 5 Minute Love Letter® and your Heart Will® to express heartfelt messages to important people in your life
- Help you craft your personal eulogy to shape how you wish to be remembered
- Assist with writing your obituary and community announcements
- Document your life stories, wisdom, and lessons for future generations
My Comprehensive Planning Services Include:
Initial Consultation is a free, 30 minute discussion about your specific goals and concerns. I’ll follow up with your customized proposal via email and you’ll choose what works best for you.
Assessment: I begin with truly hearing your story, concerns, values, and wishes, and what your specific planning needs may be. This is the foundation for all planning and ensures your personal autonomy.
Research and Referrals: I will conduct the necessary research to provide you resources and professional referrals tailored to your specific situation and location.
Documentation Guidance: I will help you navigate complex forms while accurately reflecting your wishes and ensure that documents are organized and accessible.
Facilitate Conversations: Perhaps the most difficult part of end of life planning is sharing your wishes with your loved ones. I will hold space for you by facilitating discussions that ensure your wishes are understood in a compassionate and safe environment.
When Is The Right Time To Plan?
The best time to plan is always now. While many believe end-of-life planning is only for seniors or those facing illness, the reality is that clarity about your wishes benefits everyone at any age. The most thoughtful planning happens when we have the time and space to reflect on what matters most to us, before we find ourselves in mental, emotional, physical, and sometimes, financial overwhelming circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to complete all planning aspects at once?
A: No. We can focus on your most pressing concerns first and address other areas when you're ready.
Q: How long does the planning process take?
A: This varies widely based on your needs and pace. Some clients complete their planning in 1-2 months, while others prefer to work through different aspects over time.
Q: Is my end of life plan permanent or can changes be made?
A: Your plan is not permanent and should be reviewed and updated annually. I will remind you when it is time to review your plan and assist you in making any necessary updates or changes.
Q: Do you provide legal, financial, and/or medical advice or services?
A: No. I am not a legal, financial, or medical professional but I will be happy to refer you, as needed, to professionals who can assist you.
Q: What if my family disagrees with my wishes?
A: I can help facilitate conversations that promote understanding while ensuring your autonomy is respected.