It’s very natural to think, “What now?”
when faced with a wealth of difficult challenges and concerns.
Use these 10 practical suggestions to help you get started.
Thomas Tolstrup / Getty Images
Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less."
Marie Curie
Knowledge can provide a sense of empowerment in difficult situations.
They may be concerned about saying the wrong thing or reminding you about your illness.
Openness and willingness to discuss your situation will help to put everyone at ease.
Expressing feelings while there is time is a cathartic and beautiful affirmation of your connection to each other.
is a basic step in the right direction toward opening a conversation.
Consider ifand for how longyou want to continue handling these tasks yourself.
Caregivers may be limited to family or may include friends, neighbors, or the larger community.
Many people start by holding a family meeting to discuss times and tasks each is available for.
Community care programs and services vary by state, county, and community.
TheirCaregiver Services by Statedatabase helps caregivers locate public, nonprofit, and private programs and services.
Terminal illness insurance(or accelerated death benefit) is a feature built into some life insurance policies.
Terminal illness is usually defined as a condition expected to end in death within twelve months.
Your insurer pays the full life insurance benefit when you are diagnosed, not after death.
Certain factors (your diagnosis, complications, life expectancy, and planned treatment) can impact eligibility.
Talk with your insurance agent to review your policies and directives, or to explore buying coverage.
This document provides for the guardianship of any minor children and the bequest of all property you own.
You name an executor, the person who will carry out the terms of your will.
Consider donating some or all of your organs or tissue, if possible.
it’s possible for you to include your instructions in the advance healthcare directive.
Preplan Your Funeral
Now is the time to consider preplanning your funeral or memorial service.
Or, you may simply request that loved ones visit more often as your illness progresses.
As your time together draws to a close, let them know what they have meant to you.
Carpe Diem
Make the most of the time that you have.
Throughout life, we are toldCarpe Diem, translated as “seize the day.”
Hold your spouse’s hand or that of your child.
Listen to the birds sing.
Do whatever leads you to simple, meaningful moments of joy.
Summary
Knowing that your time is limited is a difficult situation to grasp.
BrainyMedia Inc.Marie Curie Quotes.
2022;386(11):1008-1010. doi:10.1056/NEJMp2112297
Live Like You Were Living.www.igliving.com.2011.
Michael Strausbaugh, I.G.
