2
Videos
2
Writing prompts
1.5 Hrs
time to complete
6
Resource Sections
Overview
In the Practical and After Death Care Module, you’ll be thinking hard about your practical paperwork – is it all up to date and in order? If not, you’ve already got an action step, right there. You’ll also be thinking about what you’d like to have happen after you die. What matters to you at this stage? No, sorry, you cannot opt out and say, “Doesn’t matter to me, I’ll be dead!” Let’s get to work!
Step 1:
Watch the videos below then head to your workbook for your writing.
Video A: The one where Diane finally talks about what we thought this course was going to be about
Paperwork
- When you started this course, this might be what you thought it was all about!
- Paperwork – I’m going to talk about 3 things:
- wills
- health proxy (other names for this) – naming someone who can speak for you this is critical at any age any stage at any point we could suffer a stroke or suffer an accident and not be able to speak for ourselves
- Advanced directives (POSLT and MOLST are at the end) – Dementia directive resources from Hank Dunn
- Paperwork – I’m going to talk about 3 things:
- Will
- “A will, also known as a last will and testament, is a legal document that explains what happens to a person’s estate after they die. “Estate” refers to anything a person owns at the time of death. A will explains what happens with financial accounts, any type of property, and dependents. Wills are legally binding, but anyone can contest them (meaning challenge their validity) through the state court system. Passing away without a will is known as dying “intestate” (in contrast, “testate” describes someone who has passed away with a will). When someone dies intestate, their estate goes through the probate process—the process of distributing an estate with or without a will—according to state laws. If you have preferences for what happens to your property when you’re gone, you’ll need a valid will. Once your estate is in probate court, it’s too late for your family to give instructions, even if they know your preferences.” [from article below]
Video B: The one with the visualization called “I am the patient”
Video C: The one where Diane talks about types of body disposition (seriously?!) Get creative, there are so many good resources I can't even list them all here. Much depends on your state, what is possible in terms of burial or cremation or other options.
- Ask the web what is possible in your state
Video D: The one where Diane talks about how you don't have to have your grandmother's funeral (unless you loved it)
Step 2:
Head on back to your workbook for your writing for this module.
- Funerals and obituaries
- YouTube home funerals
- write your own obituary
- This is not your grandmother’s funeral…
- Writing your obituary? Check out the many resources online (here is just one).
Step 2:
Head on back to your workbook for your writing for this module.
Reflection Questions
The options available for after death care are changing rapidly in the US and Canada, and what is possible will depend on where you live. What do you want for after death care? Do you know what your options are where you live? What would you like more information about? What practical arrangements would you like to make ahead of time?
At a broad level: How do we honor the body after death? What sacred ceremonies and celebrations can you envision?
Most importantly: if you cannot speak for yourself, who will speak for you? This is a critical action step if you do not have this in place!
- Who do you entrust and designate to uphold your wishes?
- Do you have specific belongings that you want to designate to someone so that there is no ambiguity after your passing?
- What don’t you want to happen to your body after death?
- Do you have a Will, Advanced Directives, Healthy Proxy, Power of Attorney, etc.?
- What would you like the arrangements after you die to look like? What additional information would you like to learn to help you decide?
- Buried, cremated, other?
- Do you want a green method?
- Gift your organs or body to science?
- Service, ritual, celebration, or other ceremony?
- Obituary, written by whom?
- Are there any cultural/spiritual/ritualistic practices that you would like honored?
- Is there anything else that is important to you to put in place for your loved ones before your passing?
- ***Notice where you need more information, and ask yourself: “How am I going to find out what I need to know?” Reading, web search, site visit, conversations… What works best for you?
Writing Prompts
- Have you designated a health proxy?
- yes/no
- If not, this is the most important thing you need to get done! What seems to be stopping you? Read this article. (below)
- Have you completed a will?
- yes/no
- If not, Read this article, How to Make a Will without a Lawyer
Next Steps
Once again, there are lot of resources for you to check out!
Module 5 Resources
- BLBD #24 Why Plan a Funeral in Advance? Jamie Sarche
- BLBD #99 As Good as Hospice Can Be, There are Gaps, Susan Elliott
- BLBD obituary with Jennifer Carroll