Navigating a Terminal Diagnosis | Guest Blogger, Camille Johnson

Camille Johnson, Guest Blogger

August 15, 2022

Navigating a Terminal Diagnosis | Guest Blogger, Camille Johnson

Camille Johnson, Guest Blogger
| August 15, 2022

Image via Pexels

When you or someone you love is given a terminal diagnosis, basic details can help provide comfort and security. By developing a plan and making preparations, you can regain some control over your circumstances during an emotional and challenging time. Read on for important advice from Grief Dialogues Stories for finding firm footing during life’s final chapter.

Talk with loved ones

Death and the related arrangements can be tough to talk about, especially with people who love you. However, by discussing details, you can eliminate guesswork otherwise left to loved ones. Opening lines of communication about things like burial or cremation, memorial services, and so forth can also draw you closer to those you care about and who care about you. It’s better to manage those key discussions sooner rather than later, while you’re most able to do so. Contemplate your concerns and goals, and set aside quiet time when you and your loved ones can focus. It’s a challenging conversation, but you will know when the time is right to talk through plans and arrangements. You’ll feel ready, both emotionally and psychologically.

Lastly, be sure to mention the possibility that COVID regulations could play a role in things like hospital visits and arrangements regarding your funeral. It’s important to remember that some funeral homes may limit the number of people who can attend a service. Discuss all of these things ahead of time so that nobody is caught off guard when emotions are running high.

Talk with a Professional

Coping with the news of a terminal diagnosis can be incredibly tough. It can be useful to speak with a therapist in such a circumstance, but you or your loved one may have difficulty getting out of the house. In such an instance, using a telehealth platform for virtual counseling can help meet your needs. You can make an appointment online to speak with a licensed therapist from the comfort and privacy of your home.

Cover basic costs

Did you know you can get special insurance to help with end-of-life expenses? Final expense insurance, also referred to as burial or funeral insurance, can be used for things like services and headstones, just as those titles indicate. It can also be put toward things such as medical expenses, lingering debts, and can even help pay legal fees. It’s a chance to take care of your basic needs, and avoid leaving a financial struggle to survivors. If you own a home, you may be able to refinance your mortgage to help cover these costs. By refinancing, you can free up cash, though it’s important to discuss this option with a lender to make sure it’s the right decision for you.

Consider other insurances

If you own a home, you may be able to refinance your mortgage to help cover these costs. By refinancing, you can free up cash, though it’s important to discuss this option with a lender to make sure it’s the right decision for you.

Consider other insurances

Healthcare is a primary consideration when you’re facing a terminal illness. Healthcare coverage will continue through your employer so long as you are working, and you can make changes to your benefits during open enrollment. If your spouse is terminally ill and you are covered through their employer, when you no longer have that coverage, you can request a special enrollment through your employer. When you reach a stage at which you are no longer able to work, you will be able to medically qualify for disability benefits, and you can apply online.

Another important insurance consideration is life insurance. If you are still working, your employer is a potential resource for a life insurance policy. You might be under the impression that with a terminal condition another life insurance source is an impossibility. However, there are some no-medical life insurance options you can explore. They typically do not pay out if the insured person dies within two years of beginning coverage, and the payout is usually small. However, it’s a worthwhile consideration in some circumstances.

Assemble crucial documentation

While you’re able to do so, it’s important to assemble pertinent legal documentation. This would include things such as a last will and testament, healthcare power of attorney, and financial power of attorney. It’s also in your best interests, and the interests of those you love, to pull together other paperwork, such as tax returns, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. Note bank accounts that are shared or have designated beneficiaries pass to the surviving person. If you haven’t already seen one, an estate planning attorney can help you with all the legal planning.

Along with documentation, you can assemble important contact information for your loved ones, saving them the hassle of sorting through your files, phone, and drawers. For instance, gather bank accounts, retirement information, data relating to investments, property, or businesses, and so forth, all into one place, and let one or two trusted individuals know where to find it. A safe deposit box can be an ideal place to store your documentation.

Finding out you or someone you love is nearing the end of their journey can be devastating. With some planning, you can regain solid footing and a sense of control. Have important conversations, make arrangements, and ensure needs are covered. There is peace of mind to be found in establishing essentials.