Preparing for Loss

Emotional
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Realize that you will need help from a lot of people with different skills.
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Keep a list of reputable, licensed counselors to assist you if/when you need help.
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Don’t be afraid to reach out to friends for emotional support.
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Recognize that there will be a wide spectrum of emotions that will accompany grief.
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Ask questions if you are unsure of how to move forward in grief.
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Utilize hospice to help you with decisions that must be made concerning care.
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Know what your loved one wishes to be done at the time of their death.
Financial
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Know where your important papers are located.
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Make a will if you haven’t-it will save you a lot of work later.
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Write down all of your passwords and usernames and keep them in a safe place.
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Make sure that you have a credit card where you are the primary card holder.
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Put possessions like car and house titles in both names - and/or
Physical
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Don’t neglect self-care, take a shower, brush your teeth, etc.
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ry to get some form of physical activity everyday, even just a 10 minute walk will help.
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Eat healthy foods like fruits and vegetables so that your body will feel its best.
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Allow yourself time to rest both the body and the mind.
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Utilize other people to help you with the physical demands of your loved ones care.
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Ask friends to come and give you a break so that you can get out of the house for awhile.
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Acknowledge there will be some things like housework, cleaning, etc. that will not get done and that is okay.
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Ask someone to help you with doctor’s appointments, pharmacy runs, and anything that requires travel outside the home with your sick loved one.