A Checklist For the Dying

What does it mean to “get your affairs in order”?

That’s what everyone says to do when you receive a terminal diagnosis. But getting your affairs in order means different things to different people. Not to mention the fact that when we hear this directive, we're usually feeling a bit overwhelmed. There's so much to do.

Most clients want a list of practical items they must address at the end of their lives. But what about emotional and spiritual tasks? That's why I created this comprehensive checklist for the dying.

A Dying Person’s To-Do List

I encourage my clients to consider interviewing hospice teams right away. Do this before you begin addressing a checklist or before symptoms become unmanageable. Too many hospice care teams are overworked and understaffed, so interview them before you feel physically uncomfortable.

Make sure you vibe with them and they have the kind of patient-centered service (nonprofit or for-profit, religious or secular) that matches you and your goals for care.

After that, you’ll also notice that you don’t need …