Pull Up a Chair
Which seat (or seats) feel most comfortable to you?
Wait, this sounds a bit like Goldilocks, but not quite!
When someone is navigating the end of life, there are many ways to show up that have nothing to do with medical care. Some people naturally organize. Others communicate. Some create comfort, preserve stories, or simply know how to be present.
No one starts at ground zero with zero skills. At the same time, no one person should be expected to fill every seat. This worksheet is laid out in six areas to explore and consider.
The goal is not to claim every seat, but identify the ones you are most at ease and those you’d like others to fill for you down the road.
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It’s human nature to contract and go inward upon receiving a life-altering diagnosis or seeing our loved one become frailer with age. Our brains can only handle so much during one of the most stressful times of our lives. The more we can comfortably entrust / delegate / request / offer support in areas that make the most sense for each individual and situation, the more space is created for important quality time for loved ones and friends.
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Individuals who require care now or in the future and their primary caregiving team.
Individuals who are candidates to be part of a non-paid care team.
Your medical support team including your medical social worker.
Friends, neighbors, co-workers, etc. People able and willing to support you a little or a lot.