Partners & Resources
A collection of helpful links and educational resources to assist in completing the Departing Details Workbook
Introduction to Preplanning
Making end-of-life plans is so important; its makes it easier on your loved ones following your death and it can also result in meaningful conversations. However, it can be difficult to know where to start. This interview with Departing Details author, Rosemary Pahl, outlines many important factors and gives some tips to guide the process.
Posted with the permission of the Costco Connection.
Tab 2:
Living Will or Advance Directive
United States based, the Conversation Project is a collaboration with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), which is a not for profit organization that helps lead improvement of health care throughout the world. The team includes professionals from the legal, journalism, media and health care disciplines. The Conversation Project has generously allowed Departing Details Workbook to become a partner and provide a link for our readers to access the many resources available on their website.
The Speak Up Project is a Canadian based project overseen by a Task Group which includes representation from healthcare, law, ethics, research, and national non-profit organizations. They have provided a link so that Departing Details Workbook website readers can access their website and use the many resources available. Some information is provided specific to individual provinces so the user can further tailor the information to suit their personal situation.
Tab 3:
Organ Donation
This United States Government website provides the information you need to make decisions with respect to being an organ donor. The site provides links to individual states to enable you sign up on your state registry. You can update your status at any time. If you decide to register, it is very important that you have the conversation with your family about your decision so they are prepared and supportive. Also, document your wishes in Tab #3 of Departing Details Workbook. DDW appreciates the approval of the Health, Resources and Services Administration to post this link.
The Canadian Government site provides comprehensive information about organ donation. Scroll down the site past blood donation and you will find organ donation. By clicking on the map of Canada, you will be connected to the province or territory of your residence for detailed “how to“ information. If you decide to register, it is very important that you have the conversation with your family about your decision so they are prepared and supportive. Also, document your wishes in Tab #3 of Departing Details Workbook.
Tab 5:
Last Will and Testament
Although the legal requirements for completing your will depend on where you reside, there are universal issues to be considered. The following articles provide information and insights that may be helpful as you consider your personal situation when preparing your will. The author Craig Tervit, a lawyer in Calgary Canada, has generously agreed to share his articles with Departing Details Workbook. They are for information only and you will need to ensure your decisions are consistent with legal requirements in your place of residence.
Relevant articles from The Last Word include:
Many people have assumptions about what will happen to their estate, but if you die without a will in Canada, decisions may be made by provincial legislation.
This article
from The Globe and Mail, one of Canada’s leading national newspapers, sheds some light on what might happen to your estate without a will.
Tab 10:
Passwords
As more of our memories are stored online, its become very important to tell your loved ones how they can access important devices and accounts. The following article gives a look into a court battle for a widow's access to her late husband's online account.
Photographs represent family memories and are so important to remember loved ones by. Leaving clear instruction for who should get access, as well as passwords for all accounts will make it much easier for family or friends to get photos and other content. This article showcases a court case involving access to family photos.
Tab 20:
Ongoing Responsibilities and Pet Care
Pets are part of the family and should be included in our final wishes. Who you want them to go to, as well as how much money is required to look after them are important considerations.
This article
from The Globe and Mail, one of Canada’s leading national newspapers, gives some insight into ongoing care and how much money you may want to leave for your pet.
Tab 24
Social Media
When we lose someone we love, we often feel a desperate need to connect to them in whatever way we can. In moments like that, our phones, the internet and social media can sometimes be a refuge. But other times, the online world can make loss even more painful.
This article
from the Facebook newsroom discusses how to handle social media accounts for those who have passed on, as well as strategies for protecting the privacy of survivors and respecting the wishes of the deceased.
Tab 25:
Biography, Obituary, Preparation and Photos
Proud Partner with Dr. Ken Druck. As you work through Departing Details Workbook, it can be a time of reflection and growth as you contemplate how you want to be remembered and more importantly how you want to live and become the best version of you. Dr. Druck is a renowned author, speaker, thought leader, executive coach/consultant and community leader. He has been featured on CNN, Oprah, The New York Times and PBS. He is the author of the bestseller, Courageous Aging: Your Best Years Ever Reimagined, an inspiring book that offers “sage and sensible advice” (Alan F. Horn, Chairman, and Walt Disney Studios) to help you make the most of your time on the planet. Dr. Druck’s book and articles are a wonderful source of information and tools to help you achieve your personal goals no matter what your stage of life.
This article
from Dr. Druck is particularly relevant. We encourage you to visit his website
as well.
2020 Update
Dr. Druck has a new book, Raising Aging Parents: Guidelines for Families in the Second Half of Life. It is a very comprehensive book, dealing realistically with the trials and challenges of being responsible for aging parents. Whether you are looking after your parent(s) or want to pick up tips for how to prepare yourself for the future this is an excellent resource. Visit Dr. Druck's website for more details
Watch this page as more resources to assist you starting the conversation with your family, making decisions about your wishes and ultimately completing the workbook are coming soon.
