What worries me?

personal decisions

Peace of mind: saying goodbye

“Miss me – But let me go. For this is a journey we all must take, and each must go alone.”.…Amy Louise Kerswell

Emotions and worries often go hand in hand with end of life thoughts

Thinking through what may make dying, death and beyond easier for those ‘left behind’

  • if you haven’t made your wishes clear, loved ones not able to ‘let go’ of you or give you permission ‘to go’
  • those left behind can feel resentful: perhaps feeling they were not given the opportunity to contribute, to have their say or try to resolve issues
  • paperwork that’s unfinished or cannot be found can cause huge distress
    • Will
    • Mortgage or Rent Agreements
    • Insurance
    • Estate Plans
    • Banking information
    • Passwords for your digital presence (email, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter)
    • End of Life Medical Wishes

Where would you like to spend your final days?

For many the hospital or long term care facility seems neither a dignified nor peaceful way to go

  • lack of privacy
  • loss of control
  • loss of dignity
  • the smell, the lights, the sounds
  • the machinery
  • the general chaos

Dying at home

While dying at home may be your wish, many family members won’t know what to do in a health crisis. Unlike our ancestors, most have neither seen someone die nor have witnessed the dying process. This can be scary, upsetting and traumatic for those caring for you.

Emergency Medical Responders (EMS) Vial of Lifesaving Information For Emergencies (L.I.F.E.)

If an ambulance is called, paramedics are trained to look on the fridge for a sticker or other indication that vital information is available. The Vial of L.I.F.E. sticker is easily recognized. Store information in your refrigerator in a labelled baggie or other container. In case of fire, your refrigerator acts as a safe, protecting your information inside.

  1. A completed Vial of Life form. (Answer the questions you want, don’t answer questions you don’t want)
  2. Providing a picture of yourself would be helpful.
  3. A photostat of your last EKG will greatly assist the emergency
    personnel. (Your doctor will be able to provide you with a copy)
  4. Include your Advance Directives or equivalent
  5. Put Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) instructions
  6. Add any other documentation you feel important

  

Interesting reading. Dying at home: a return to the way it was

To provoke thought: How will I be remembered?

 Good to know: CPR what does it really mean

©Kathy Kastner