Legacy Planning Program

 

Legacy Planning for older adults, as a behavioral health service, involves helping individuals navigate and address the psychological and emotional aspects of planning for the later stage of life and beyond.

​

Program Overview

​

This program is many faceted and includes the following therapeutic and practical aspects, tailored to each individual and their family needs. Not all components are the right fit for everyone and we work with you to identify what your planned legacy looks like. We offer:

​

• Emotional Support and Counseling: Providing therapeutic support to help older adults cope with feelings of anxiety, grief, or uncertainty about their legacy and the end of their life.

• Decision-Making Assistance: Assisting individuals in making informed decisions about their estate, advanced directives, and care preferences, ensuring these align with their values and wishes.

• Family Communication: Facilitating open and constructive conversations between older adults and their family members to clarify expectations, resolve conflicts, and ensure that everyone understands and respects the individual's legacy plans.

• Life Review and Meaning-Making: Helping individuals reflect on their life experiences, achievements, and values to create a meaningful legacy that reflects their personal journey and contributions.

• Crisis Management: Addressing any psychological distress that may arise during the legacy planning process, providing strategies to manage stress and emotional challenges.

​

As an individual or couple, it's wise to start planning your legacy early, taking charge of your own plans. By addressing your wishes and needs now, you can create a clear plan for managing your personal and financial matters. A psychologist can be instrumental in this process by helping you explore and clarify your values, goals, and preferences for your legacy. They can facilitate discussions about difficult topics, assist in identifying what matters most to you, and help navigate any emotional challenges that arise during planning. This proactive approach ensures that everything is handled according to your preferences, avoiding the burden on your children to make decisions during a challenging time. By outlining your legacy plans, healthcare choices, and asset distribution with professional support, you can reduce potential confusion and stress for your family, providing peace of mind and preserving the integrity of your legacy.

​

Overall, legacy planning as a behavioral health service aims to support older adults in achieving peace of mind, ensuring their end-of-life wishes are honored, and leaving a meaningful legacy that aligns with their personal values and life experiences.