This is one of those hard conversations that most people avoid.This is one of those hard conversations that most people avoid.
No one wants to think about dying, let alone talk about it. Unfortunately, it is unavoidable and if you don’t talk about your needs, wants, and desires it becomes more difficult.
I do not claim to be an expert in this area, but I do have some experience with navigating the emotions and paperwork headaches that occur after a loved one dies. My goal here is to share my learning, and resources that I’ve found helpful, so that you can start the conversation early and organize the areas of life that are impacted in a way that reduces heartache and headache when the time comes.
Please note that different states have slightly different requirements, options, and taxes, so be sure to check your specific requirements for how best to handle some of this.
Resources:
NokBox provides pre-labeled organization and checklists for important documents and paperwork, as well as ID like passports and important keys. While we are largely a digital age world, many of these documents are still required in a notarized, paper form. And having a hard copy in an easy-to-grab go-box in case of emergency rather than having your loved ones go digging in a computer where they may not know passwords for saves time. Here’s a link you can use www.TheNOKBox.com/ALLISON94266
(Note: this is an affiliate link. I share because I care so if you dislike affiliate links, it is not the only way to get the resource. NokBox does reward their happy customers who provide word of mouth advertising like this, which I appreciate.)
Prepare Your Affairs – based near Portland, OR. Founded and operated by Katie Gurney and her partner Corey Kursley after they each had to navigate the passing of a spouse. They have designed the checklists for the categories loved ones need to navigate: Financial, Legal, Mental & Emotional, Practical. www.affairsinorder.com
Legacy Concierge Services – based in Petaluma, California. Founded and operated by Molly Knoderer and Deanna Shaat, they help people plan, navigate transitions associated with aging, mobility, and memory with kindness, grace, and empathy. https://www.legacyconciergeservices.com
Never Alone Consulting – based near Colorado Springs, Colorado. Founded and operated by Paula Levy designed to offer support to families of people with dementia. https://neveraloneconsulting.com/
Her Aging Parents, Her Thriving Business – based near La Porte, Indiana. Founded and operated by Coach Wendy Taddeucci. Coach Wendy: Helping you help your aging parent – without burning yourself out. Visit her website https://coach-wendy.com to find valuable resources.
