059: End of life admin

Life admin can be stressful at the best of times but for people who are terminally ill or caring for a loved one, the admin related to end of life can feel overwhelming and relentless.

In this episode we chat with Anna Bolitho about some of the practical matters people need to consider including:

• getting your estate planning in order
• Advance Care Planning
• using digital platforms to get your paperwork in order such as iDecide and My Life Wishes
• making time to allocate or pass on sentimental items
• the importance of not only documenting your wishes but also having a conversation with your loved ones about both your wishes and practical matters
• planning what might happen to pets.

We also chat about the practical side of communications and helping out during someones’ end of life including:

• thinking about the different circles of communication
• the tools you can use for communication including WhatsApp groups and facebook groups
• digital tools to help with setting up rosters for meal delivery and pet walking such as Gather My Crew
• providing projects to people at their end of life to keep them busy and connected with their community.

We also talk through the practical side of funerals including:

• things to consider when choosing a funeral provider and package
• understanding the different elements of funeral packages before you visit the funeral director (eg will you provide your own flowers?)
• being creative in planning your funeral and including personal rituals (eg bring a coffee cart, fly a kite, serve champagne, give away your book collection)
• considering a life celebration, to celebrate someone’s life before they pass.

LIFE ADMIN RESOURCES

Annie Bolitho’s website

Advance Care Planning

Episode 44: Planning your digital estate

Episode 11 – Drafting wills and powers of attorney

Websites/Apps to assist with Documents and Passwords – iDecide and My Life Wishes

Apps and Websites to help with rosters and communication – Gather My Crew

Care of pets – RSPCA Home Ever After program & Community Aged Care program

Australian Centre for grief and bereavement

Services Australia

Office of the Public Advocate – for guidance on medical treatment decision-making and advanced care directive

Reference List – Your Final Checklist from Dying to Know

Reference List – It’s Ok to die when you are prepared

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