The dying process is a dangerous place to bring a fixation on perfection and control. Death plans are expressions of what we value most in our lives, and sometimes reveal fragments of trauma and loss from earlier experiences. If we are not careful, we may feed the fantasy of control and independence that sets more of us up to fail and increases the potential grief and trauma our loved ones will carry.
Advance Directives
I recommend that all adults create and distribute basic advance directives. The most important piece of this is the naming of a health care agent, also known as health proxy or power of attorney for health care. This is a document that should be revisited periodically and with any big life or health changes.
Advance Planning Action Group
Spending some time planning for the the best and worst case scenarios is a courageous and loving act for yourself, your loved ones, and strangers, including healthcare and other front-line workers on whom we rely. This weekly 4o-minute zoom call is an introduction to advance planning generally with specific timely updates responding to the changing […]
Starting the Conversation: End of Life Planning for Families
We mortals tend to avoid these conversations until we are forced by circumstances of life to make decisions for ourselves and others in a crisis. This workshop is designed to help families begin this conversation in a relaxed setting with experienced support. Doing this work, when there is time to consider our values and preferences […]
Advance Directive Action Group
A monthly open house for individuals to prepare their own advance directives in a supportive setting. All are welcome to come to work on getting this done, and I will be on hand to answer questions, direct you to helpful resources, and provide forms and witness.
Advance Care Planning and Paperwork
Advanced Directives are legal documents that name the person you designate to make choices for you when you are unable and provide guidance for your healthcare providers and loved ones. It is recommended that all adults prepare these documents and revisit them with any major life or health events. I will assist you in choosing […]
Caring Info: download advance directive forms for your state
State specific options from National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO)
Compassion & Choices
A nonprofit organization working to improve patient rights including end-of-life choices. They provide professional consultants & volunteers, by phone or in person, to walk you through advanced directives.
Five Wishes
Aging with Dignity form and workbook is available in multiple languages.
How to choose a health care agent
The Conversation Project Caring Info’s guidance for selecting a health care agent.
Dementia Directive
Advanced Directive for Dementia Dementia Provision from Compassion and Choices NPR feature JAMA article VSED : Voluntary Stopping Eating and Drinking
Advance Directives Action Group
A powerful opportunity to express your values and priorities while protecting yourself and your loved ones. Many of us have strong feelings about what we want and don’t want at the end of our lives, but most of us haven’t created the documents we need to support our visions and our loved ones. In this […]
