If a loved one has been diagnosed with a terminal illness, time is precious and there are 5 things you need to do.  In part 1 of this article, we discussed determining your loved one’s wishes, helping your loved one document his love, and making sure his estate plan is comprehensive and up-to-date.

Here, we continue:

4.  Listen

Your loved one will likely feel the need to talk about his life and you are helping by simply listening.  He may at times feel angry, ripped off, wishful, sad, happy, satisfied, and scared.  All of these feelings are normal.

5.  Accept Help 

Recognize that you can’t provide everything your loved one needs and that others will feel better if they are able to help.  Let friends and family help where they can, recognizing that not all folks are good at the same things.

• Some family members may be good at dealing with professionals such as the estate planning attorney, CPA, insurance professional, and financial advisor.
• Others may work well with the doctors, nurses, social workers, and hospice team.
• Some may help by cleaning out the garage, while others help by making meals, getting the taxes filed, or running errands.
• Others may contribute by sitting beside or with physical care.

Three More Tips

If you missed it, please continue reading at 5 Things to Do When a Loved One is Dying (part 1 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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