Death and Dying Action Checklist

DEATH AND DYING ACTION CHECKLIST

Chapter 14 of The Complete Eldercare Planner

SAYING GOOD-BYE To Do By Completed

Recognize the clues of letting go______❏

Be aware of your elder’s goal to reach milestones

family events ______❏

important projects ______❏

personal goals ______❏

Spend quality time______❏

Seek professional counseling______❏

Discuss end-of life directives

nutritional and respiratory life support decisions ______❏

funeral arrangements ______❏

memorial services arrangements______❏

power of attorney for health care ______❏

physician directives ______❏

review Managing Death’s Details section ______❏

review Legal Matters chapter ______❏

Get legal paper in order______❏

Fulfill last wishes______❏

Manage pain issues______❏

Consider hospice services______❏

Review dying person's Bill of Rights______❏

MANAGING DEATH’S DETAILS

Seek professional advice for funeral planning______❏

Review Communicaring chapter before talking about funerals ______❏

Incorporate plans as part of letter of instruction

in your elder’s will ______❏

Shop around for funeral merchandise and services ______❏

Tap into sources to pay for funeral

Social Security______❏

Veterans Administration ______❏

Prepayment plans______❏

Life insurance policies______❏

Burial trusts______❏

Savings accounts______❏

Travel insurance ______❏

House sale______❏

Notify others of the death

telephone calls______❏

death notice______❏

obituary______❏

Gather legal and important documents______❏

Retain attorney ______❏

Obtain copies of death certificates______❏

Review the Documents Locator section______❏

Explore sources of leftover cash______❏

Inquire about survivor’s benefits ______❏

Review travel insurance policies______❏

Understand transfer of property regulations ______❏

Begin the probate process ______❏

Obtain letters of office ______❏

Settle financial affairs______❏

Search for missing information and documents ______❏

Tie up loose ends

Distribution of items______❏

Lock up property______❏

Keep record of all transitions ______❏

Grieve and heal

Watch for excessive behavior patterns______❏

Consider bereavement support______❏

Carry on after a loved one dies

Repair damaged relationships______❏

Create new relationships______❏

Seek a new purpose in life______❏

Get affairs in order______❏

Make a difference in the lives of other caregivers______❏

Capture your elder’s memory______❏