If a loved one has been diagnosed with a terminal illness, time is precious and there are 5 things you need to do.

1.    Determine Your Loved One’s Wishes

Ask your loved one what he wants regarding end-of-life medical treatment, burial, and funeral services.

Specific questions would be:

• Do you want a living will so your life is not artificially extended with medical heroics and machines?
• Where do you want to be cared for?  A hospice facility or at home?
• Do you want to be cremated and/or buried?
• What kind of funeral, memorial service, or celebration of life would you like?

2.    Help Your Loved One Document His Love

Ask your loved one to leave a legacy by talking about his life and leaving physical evidence of his love through:

• Identifying the people and places in old pictures
• Taping a conversation about thoughts, family, and/or his life
• Leaving a letter to loved ones
• Leaving a sentimental gift to loved ones

3.    Make Sure Estate Planning Documents are Up to Date

Having a current and comprehensive estate plan will best ensure that your loved one’s wishes are carried out.

It also helps family members carry out those wishes with greater ease.

If the plan doesn’t reflect your loved one’s current wishes, is older than three years old, or isn’t comprehensive, encourage your loved one to update the estate plan right away.

Two More Tips

Please continue reading at 5 Things to Do When a Loved One is Dying (part 2 of 2.)

Legacy APC, A Trusts & Estates Law Firm is a member of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys.

Tags: elder law, Estate Planning Attorney, Hospice

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