Preparing and Planning for Serious Illness and End-of-Life

When facing a serious, life-limiting illness, you want to feel both prepared – so you can make decisions – and present – so that you are mindful of today’s needs. You will want to understand and use the resources available to you, whether you are a patient or caregiver.

There are medical resources such as palliative care and hospice, financial resources such as Medicare and insurance, legal resources such as advance directives, and personal resources such as bereavement care. There are also many informal supports such as connections with others going through similar experiences. We want to help you navigate all this so you can have the experience that is best for you.

Do you need help urgently?

A person is fretting. Behind them float an icon of scales, a stehescope, and a perscription pad. To right is a clock.

If you or a loved are currently in crisis and you suddenly have need for care in handling an illness, there are a few items should prioritize over others.

Learn about:

Common Topics

We have gathered together guidance and resources around topics commonly encountered. These resources will help you understand how you can create a situation where you feel prepared.

Advance Directives

Advance directives, POLSTs, and healthcare agents help let others know what care you want and do not want if you cannot speak for yourself.

Caregiving

Sooner or later most of us will be caregivers. Many of us never imagined ourselves in that role. It can seem quite overwhelming but we provide resources that can help.

Coping with Grief and Loss

The experience of suffering loss and feeling grief is both universal and intensely personal, and can be intensified due to caregiving and serious illness. Learn how you are not alone.

COVID-19 Information

COVID-19 disrupted many lives, especially those dealing with serious illness and caregiving. We’ve gathered guidance from the CDC to help you.

Financial Matters

Financial challenges often accompany serious illness and caregiving. Learn about the many sources of financial support and how it may vary from state to state.

Talking About Serious Illness and Care

Serious illness is a communications challenge for everyone. We provide guidance on how to handle talking with so many different people – including ourselves.