Art of Death and Dying Session at Hoffman Center - April 27, 2017
Topic: Death, it happens…What you can do NOW!
Approximately 21 folks participated in today’s Art of Dying session to discuss, problem solve, and create some ‘action plans’ in the event of one’s sudden death. Lane deMoll, Claudia Johnson, and Paula Sansum facilitated the session which arose from their involvement in three sudden death scenarios in our community within the past six weeks.
The session began with participants identifying concerning issues that could create difficult situations/hardships should their own life come to an abrupt permanent halt.
* Who has the key to my house?
* Who should be notified of my sudden death?
* Where is the above information stored?
* Who will care for, or make care arrangements for, my pets who have been left behind?
* Where are my passwords for my computer/ accounts?
* Where is my will?
* Who will take charge of managing my affairs?
* Will that person have immediate access to any monies required for funeral or left over expenses such as unpaid taxes, bills, etc.?
While many of us shared our own organizational systems, it soon became clear that there were some serious voids in those plans that required shoring up.
Some folks have all their emergency contact information in their cell phone. Unfortunately, if access to that phone requires a password and nobody is identified as knowing it, that information is NOT available in support of a sudden death situation. If access to your cell phone requires finger print ID?….Well…..that might be a little awkward…..
Many of us have all our account, contact, and password information on our home computer. Again, without knowledge of passwords…….Useless!
If you store your information in a paper file or book, it would be important to share the location of such items.
The following are valuable suggestions the came as a result of our time together:
* Distribute house key/or keys to a trusted neighbor.
* Provide name and phone numbers for who to contact and post them in an OBVIOUS place. (refrigerator? )
* Does someone know your passwords? Provide the name and contact info of that person.
* If you already have a POLST or FILE of LIFE on your refrigerator, add contact, pet care, and password information to those forms.
"What if I drop dead while away from my home?”
* Always carry some sort of ID and contact information on your person. Perhaps a special card in your wallet?
* It was suggested that there may be some type of lightweight bracelet worn by runners who do not carry a purse or wallet. Check into it.
* Consider leaving a note in your home when heading out solo for an adventure. Include departure time, area where you plan to go, expected time of return.
* Alert a neighbor that you will be traveling out and when you intend to return. If traveling by car, you may want to include your intended route. Travel itineraries are helpful.
The whole idea is to lessen the burden, as much as possible, on the person(s) who may discover us or who may be immediately involved to assist with making necessary contacts and in maintaining dignity for the dead individual.
Additional conversations included practical and legal issues related to making financial accounts accessible upon death as well as law enforcement involvement/options in a sudden death situation. Sarah Smyth Macintosh was present and she provided some helpful information. Sarah will be presenting at the Art of Aging session on Tuesday, May 9th and will expand on some of those issues in detail at that time.
A sign up sheet was circulated to identify folks willing and able to assist in the event of a sudden death or expected death in our community. Willing participants identified their specific skills and/or tasks they are willing to contribute.
This is an ongoing attempt intended to expand our network of support and resources for death in our community.
Loads of great work and kind outreach by all!
Thank you.
Paula Sansum
Topic: Death, it happens…What you can do NOW!
Approximately 21 folks participated in today’s Art of Dying session to discuss, problem solve, and create some ‘action plans’ in the event of one’s sudden death. Lane deMoll, Claudia Johnson, and Paula Sansum facilitated the session which arose from their involvement in three sudden death scenarios in our community within the past six weeks.
The session began with participants identifying concerning issues that could create difficult situations/hardships should their own life come to an abrupt permanent halt.
* Who has the key to my house?
* Who should be notified of my sudden death?
* Where is the above information stored?
* Who will care for, or make care arrangements for, my pets who have been left behind?
* Where are my passwords for my computer/ accounts?
* Where is my will?
* Who will take charge of managing my affairs?
* Will that person have immediate access to any monies required for funeral or left over expenses such as unpaid taxes, bills, etc.?
While many of us shared our own organizational systems, it soon became clear that there were some serious voids in those plans that required shoring up.
Some folks have all their emergency contact information in their cell phone. Unfortunately, if access to that phone requires a password and nobody is identified as knowing it, that information is NOT available in support of a sudden death situation. If access to your cell phone requires finger print ID?….Well…..that might be a little awkward…..
Many of us have all our account, contact, and password information on our home computer. Again, without knowledge of passwords…….Useless!
If you store your information in a paper file or book, it would be important to share the location of such items.
The following are valuable suggestions the came as a result of our time together:
* Distribute house key/or keys to a trusted neighbor.
* Provide name and phone numbers for who to contact and post them in an OBVIOUS place. (refrigerator? )
* Does someone know your passwords? Provide the name and contact info of that person.
* If you already have a POLST or FILE of LIFE on your refrigerator, add contact, pet care, and password information to those forms.
"What if I drop dead while away from my home?”
* Always carry some sort of ID and contact information on your person. Perhaps a special card in your wallet?
* It was suggested that there may be some type of lightweight bracelet worn by runners who do not carry a purse or wallet. Check into it.
* Consider leaving a note in your home when heading out solo for an adventure. Include departure time, area where you plan to go, expected time of return.
* Alert a neighbor that you will be traveling out and when you intend to return. If traveling by car, you may want to include your intended route. Travel itineraries are helpful.
The whole idea is to lessen the burden, as much as possible, on the person(s) who may discover us or who may be immediately involved to assist with making necessary contacts and in maintaining dignity for the dead individual.
Additional conversations included practical and legal issues related to making financial accounts accessible upon death as well as law enforcement involvement/options in a sudden death situation. Sarah Smyth Macintosh was present and she provided some helpful information. Sarah will be presenting at the Art of Aging session on Tuesday, May 9th and will expand on some of those issues in detail at that time.
A sign up sheet was circulated to identify folks willing and able to assist in the event of a sudden death or expected death in our community. Willing participants identified their specific skills and/or tasks they are willing to contribute.
This is an ongoing attempt intended to expand our network of support and resources for death in our community.
Loads of great work and kind outreach by all!
Thank you.
Paula Sansum