Preparing For End of Life For Dummies
1. Edition February 2026
320 Pages, Softcover
Wiley & Sons Ltd
A compassionate and practical way to approach end-of-life planning for you and your loved ones
"End of life" can be a daunting, intimidating, and even scary phrase. But it doesn't have to overwhelm you. You have the power to make decisions about your future that help secure the well-being of your loved ones and bring a sense of comfort. And that's a great thing!
In Preparing For End of Life For Dummies, certified end-of-life doula, Dr. Virginia Chang, offers a positive and meaningful approach to end-of-life planning that helps you make the most of the time you and your loved ones are granted. She walks you through specific actions and decisions you can take to arrange for the selection of a healthcare team, organize and make choices about your funeral and burial options, and ensure you've got the mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual support you need to help guide you through the process.
Inside the book:
* Strategies for cultivating a positive mindset for facing end of life with confidence, security, and peace of mind
* Ways to create and maintain social connections and a supportive network you can rely on during this challenging process
* Knowledge of options and choices at end of life so that you can effectively manage your healthcare and estate
* Tips for discussing end-of-life planning with your family and loved ones
A compassionate and practical new way of thinking about a challenging - but important - subject, Preparing For End of Life For Dummies is a must-read for everyone who wants to feel ready and empowered to help themselves and their family live their best life, to the very end.
PART 1: PLANNING FOR THE END OF LIFE 5
CHAPTER 1: Understanding End-of-Life Basics 7
CHAPTER 2: Planning for End of Life Begins Now 15
CHAPTER 3: Making Death Personal 23
PART 2: PHYSICAL PREPARATION 33
CHAPTER 4: Completing the Legal Paperwork 35
CHAPTER 5: Managing Medical Logistics 61
CHAPTER 6: Expecting Death: Pre-Death Planning 83
CHAPTER 7: Making Post-Death Arrangements 95
PART 3: EMOTIONAL PREPARATION 113
CHAPTER 8: Facing Aging, Illness, and Death 115
CHAPTER 9: Losing Who You Once Were 127
CHAPTER 10: Being in Grief 149
CHAPTER 11: Takin' Care of (Unfinished) Business 161
CHAPTER 12: Reviewing Your Life 171
CHAPTER 13: Deserving of Self-Care 187
PART 4: SOCIAL PREPARATION 203
CHAPTER 14: Connecting to My Community 205
CHAPTER 15: Creating a Support Network 215
CHAPTER 16: Valuing and Healing Relationships 227
CHAPTER 17: Leaving a Legacy 237
PART 5: SPIRITUAL PREPARATION 249
CHAPTER 18: Embracing Spirituality at End of Life 251
CHAPTER 19: Leaning into Spiritual Care 261
CHAPTER 20: Letting Go and Compassion 269
PART 6: THE PART OF TENS 279
CHAPTER 21: Ten Myths About Death and Dying 281
CHAPTER 22: Ten Tips for Thinking More Positively
INDEX 293