If a loved one has recently received a diagnosis, making specific arrangements before their passing is wise.
By doing so, you can ensure that the person’s wishes are addressed and that you can provide family members, friends, and caregivers with critical documents and information.
Here are some of the arrangements you may want to make if you find yourself in this situation (and please know, you don’t have to face this alone).
Important Documents
Even after receiving a terminal diagnosis, many people don’t have critical documents in place during their final months.
Along with potentially creating a hardship for their loved ones, the lack of certain documentation can mean that their wishes won’t be respected.
In most cases, it’s best to ensure that your loved one addresses certain legalities by getting the right documents prepared. That can include:
1. Last Will and Testament
4. Living Will
It’s also wise to review (and, if necessary, update) any . The same goes for registrations on relevant financial accounts, real estate, and similar assets.
That way, everything can transition with greater ease.
End-of-Life Arrangements
Another step that your loved one should take is addressing their end-of-life plan and making proper arrangements.
This can include outlining what they’d like to happen to their body, as well as preparing for the funeral, burial, or memorial services.
That way, they can be in total control, ensuring everything goes forward in a way that aligns with their beliefs and preferences.
Medical Bills
Medical care after a terminal diagnosis can still be costly.
Often, your loved one’s doctor will want to move forward with life-extending treatments. Additionally, physicians may present options to increase their comfort level, keep them independent longer, or get them the needed amount of support.
If your loved one is concerned about the cost, their first step should be to review any insurance coverage. Along with an existing policy, it’s wise to see if they qualify for other coverage options, particularly if their condition leaves them unable to work.
Beyond that, it’s wise to review any available assets. Savings accounts, retirement funds, investment accounts, and similar options may give them other funding sources.
Additionally, spend time researching financial assistance options. Many organizations assist those with terminal diagnoses, ensuring they can get proper care without the burden of dealing with the bills.
Accessibility Upgrades
If your loved one has a terminal illness and is experiencing (or expects to experience) changes in their mobility, making accessibility upgrades to their house could be an intelligent decision.
It will allow them to stay in their home longer. Plus, it may reduce the amount of direct assistance that they require.
If they don’t have enough savings to cover the upgrades, a cash-out refinance is worth considering. It’ll replace their existing mortgage with a new loan with a larger dollar amount. Anything above what’s needed to cover their previous mortgage is given to them, giving them access to money for accessibility upgrades.
Support Network and Self-Care
Having a robust, reliable support network is essential when someone is diagnosed with a terminal illness.
Make sure to reach out to family members and friends who may be able to assist with various needs and provide emotional support to each other. That way, you can form a strong community around the person, ensuring they’ll always be able to get a hand whenever needed.
It’s also crucial that you care for yourself during this time. Lack of sleep, a poor diet, and failure to exercise can all increase your stress levels. Find ways to stay calm, whether it’s taking a warm bath, practicing yoga, or enjoying your favorite hobby.
Coping with a terminal illness requires a lot of time, love, and patience, so be there for your loved one whenever possible (as well as for yourself).
With the resources outlined above, you can help them through this very difficult time.
Do you know of another arrangement to make that’s not shared above? Share it in the comments below!
A special thanks to Craig Meadows of Surviving Day One.
Resources:
“Frequently Asked Questions About Advance Directives.” American Cancer Society, 13 May 2019, .
Guerrero, Brenda. “Terminal Illness.” Springer Link, 2011, .
Reed, Eric. “Transfer On Death (TOD) Accounts for Estate Planning.” SmartAsset, SmartAsset, 27 Aug. 2021, .
Swinton, Lyndsay. “7 Successful Stress Management Techniques.” ZenBusiness Inc., ZenBusiness PBC, 11 Aug. 2021, .
Tretina, Kat. “Cash-Out Refinance: How It Works and When to Get One.” Credible, 1 Nov. 2021, .
Ward, Katherine. “Finding Productivity in Grief.” Grief Personalized, 1 Apr. 2021, .
“What Is a Beneficiary?” Insurance Information Institute, .
“What Is a Power of Attorney (POA)?” Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, 5 Aug. 2016, .