Planning for the Final Stages of Life with Confidence and Care

Generally, refers to the final stages of a person’s life when they’re nearing death, often due to terminal illness, advanced age, or irreversible decline in health. It’s a broad term used in medical, legal, and personal contexts to describe the period where the focus shifts from curing a condition to managing symptoms, ensuring comfort, and preparing for death.
In healthcare, it’s tied to palliative care or hospice care. Palliative care helps relieve suffering at any stage of a serious illness, while hospice kicks in when treatment is no longer curative—typically when someone has six months or less to live, as certified by a doctor. The goal is quality of life: controlling pain, easing breathing, or addressing emotional and spiritual needs rather than prolonging life at all costs.
Practically, it can involve:
  • Medical decisions: Stopping aggressive treatments (like chemo) and opting for comfort measures (like pain meds).
  • Planning: Setting up advance directives, like a living will or designating a healthcare proxy, to dictate wishes when someone can’t speak for themselves.
  • Support: For the dying person and their family, through caregivers, counselors, or hospice teams.

A Practical Guide During a Difficult Time

When a loved one passes away, the emotional burden is often compounded by overwhelming paperwork and financial decisions that need immediate attention. We understand how difficult it can be to navigate these responsibilities while grieving.
 
After helping a client whose husband died suddenly, our founder, Brent Matthew, was inspired to create a comprehensive resource that could help others facing similar circumstances. This guide breaks down the important tasks into manageable timeframes. From immediate needs to longer-term considerations, covering everything from obtaining death certificates and notifying Social Security to handling bank accounts, insurance policies, and estate matters.
Download: A Guide to Unfinished Business

This guide is designed to provide clarity when you need it most, offering a checklist to reference during an already difficult period. While this guide offers general guidance, we always recommend you consult with appropriate professionals for your specific situation.