How to plan and prepare for death when a life-threatening illness is diagnosed

 

SilverStone Hospice, Dallas, TX discusses what needs to be done when a terminal illness is diagnosed

Dallas, United States - December 5, 2022 /SilverStone Hospice/

Planning and preparing for death sounds morbid. But, when one has a life-threatening condition and a prognosis of fewer than six months to live, planning and preparing for the event is sensible. It can be the blessing one leaves behind for loved ones rather than loose ends they will have to tie when dealing with grief. Knowing the time frame helps organize all matters - legal, financial, property, assets, and even funeral arrangements - with clarity and precision. Hospice care helps in these matters, as well as providing end-of-life care. SilverStone Hospice is a well-known provider of Hospice services in Dallas.

What to put in order?

Difficult as it is to think of long-term needs, one must sit down and visualize what one would have done in the future. Making a list and putting down the probable financial requirements of the family could be a starting point, followed by an evaluation of financial assets and liabilities. A property to be divided between children could be next. Other legal aspects are to be processed. 

• Make a Will - few people realize the importance of making a Will and dying ‘intestate.’ Even if there is not much property or assets, making a Will simplifies it for the family. The Will can also contain specific instructions for minor children’s guardianship. Making a Will is not very complicated, but necessary.
• Making a “Living Will” - having a terminal illness, it is very likely that the patient may reach a point where he or she is unable to communicate anymore. SilverStone is the best hospice care in Dallas, TX, and while they can make the patient comfortable, the deteriorating condition may warrant putting them on life support. However, if the patient has made a Living Will stating that they do not want to go on life support, the patient’s wishes have to be adhered to. It is a legal document also known as an Advance Directive. 
• Power of Attorney - gives another person the authority to act on behalf of the patient and execute their instructions as laid down in the Living Will. This person must be aware of the contents of the Living Will. They must follow the directives when the patient reaches a state where they are unable to make decisions regarding their health and medication. 
• Specifying details for the funeral - is a tough one. But doing this will take the burden off the shoulders of the ones left behind. The individual can leave detailed instructions on what kind of arrangements they want for their final journey. Hospice care services like SilverStone Hospice Care, Dallas, provide support to the bereaved family in carrying out the requests of their loved one. 

Helping fulfill the wishes of terminally-ill patients 

Being told that you have just six months to live is like having the rug pulled out from beneath your feet. So, many thoughts and feelings come racing through the mind. Fear, worry, desperation, hopelessness. How to provide for the family? How to put one's affairs in order? How long will one be able to function normally? What will happen after one is gone? Who will look after one in these last few months? Many of these questions are taken care of by reaching out to a Hospice care provider like SilverStone Hospice, which provides a custom care hospice in Dallas - Fort Worth Metroplex, TX. 

SilverStone is committed to holding your hand through this time of transition and providing an enriching end-of-life experience to the patient. They will also help the family come to terms with the transition. The team has chaplains who take care of spiritual needs and counselors and volunteers who take care of emotional needs. They will also help the patient put their affairs in order. For compassionate and empathetic end-of-life care, call SilverStone Hospice at (214) 954-7285.