End-of-Life Coaching. What do you recommend?
I recently moved my investment portfolio to a team I’ve known for 8+ years. I am relieved to have trusted friends invest my money wisely, according to my situation and risk tolerance.
As I went through the onboarding paperwork, I was reminded that a financial advisor will likely categorize your desired portfolio as Conservative, Moderately Conservative, Balanced, Aggressive or Very Aggressive, according to your goals, timeline, and risk tolerance. This framework helps advisors identify the best options for your overall success. You and your advisor will change your categorization as you move along the investment timeline and your life changes.
I was inspired to create my own framework to show how an end-of-life coach could support people throughout aging processes.
The sections below outline five circumstances and how I can help people experiencing them.
We’re All Aging
For those who don’t have an immediate need for end-of-life coaching but tend to plan ahead. These strategists tend to be Solo-Agers, natural planners, and/or gravitate to personal development.
What I offer: Life coaching with the end of your life in mind. Establish a vision for how you want to leave the world. Create a baseline roadmap to establish your legacy and your end-of-life desires.
Seven sessions:
Your fears and desires around death and dying
1 session for each domain (legacy, emotional, spiritual, practical + physical)
Roadmap review and next steps
We may also want to discuss how to:
overcome blocks to changing your diet, exercise and sleep routines
articulate your needs and goals with your family or medical providers
honor those who have died before you
grow your local support network
identify experts who can help with legal, financial and medical considerations
I'm Not Who I Used to Be
For those whose health conditions require them to rely on people more and more. It's changing how they live.
What I offer: Transition support tailored to your needs.
We may also want to discuss how to:
relax into depending on others
declutter your home so you can be more independent longer
leave places and let go of things that represent your life memories
join new places and communities
communicate best with those who are providing support and care about you
identify your your values, how you developed your character, and how you've demonstrated your strength in difficult times
get the most out of conversations with your medical providers
Living the Best Three Months or More
For those who have a terminal diagnosis and the trajectory of the illness is three months or longer.
What I offer: End-of-Life Coaching. Establish a vision for how you want to leave the world. Create a roadmap to establish your legacy and your end-of-life desires. There will be an focus on how to execute on the roadmap within the trajectory of your illness.
You can read more about the Best Three Months framework here.
Seven sessions:
Your fears and desires
1 session for each domain (legacy, emotional, spiritual, practical + physical)
Roadmap review and next steps
We may also want to discuss how to:
ask your loved ones to help you implement the vision we establish together
demonstrate your values during your illness and end-of-life
reconcile your fear of death
communicate your wishes to those who may have a different vision for your medical treatment and end-of-life care
interview a hospice team and understand their services
Living the Best Three Months Quickly
For those who with whose illness trajectory is less than 3 months and they still have some mobility.
What I offer: “The Best Three Months or More” framework (above) in fewer sessions. Every effort will be made to make the most of our time together so you can spend more time with your loved ones.
Four sessions:
Your fears and desires
1 session for practical + physical topics
1 session for legacy, emotional and spiritual topics
Roadmap review and next steps
Preparing for the Last Days
For those who are nearly bedridden and it's likely they will be non-communicative soon.
What I offer: End-of-Life Coaching. Establish your vision for the last few weeks. What stands in the way, right now, of your dying in peace?
There will be a focus on physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Legacy and practical wants may be too ambitious.
One session:
your fears and desires
what dying looks like (if desired)
next steps
Connect with me
If you or a loved one is experiencing the circumstances above or something similar, please feel free to book a free consultation. Consultations are on Zoom or over the phone.