Death Readiness Dispatch

July 11, 2025

Hi there,

 

Summer is a time when lots of family members get together. Maybe you haven’t seen each other since the winter holidays, maybe even longer. And when that happens, physical and cognitive changes stand out.

 

I recently returned from a large event with my extended family. Some people hadn’t seen me in 10 years and didn’t recognize me – my hair is now completely gray. But other people didn’t recognize me for another reason – cognitive change.

 

Changes that seem drastic to you might be less noticeable to those who see someone every day.

Obtain powers of attorney for your parents

I wasn’t the first to notice changes in my own mother. We lived in the same city and saw each other almost every day. We were very close.

I remember the last thing we did together before the changes became obvious to me. We walked all over Manhattan searching for silver shoes I could wear as a bridesmaid in my best friend's wedding.

 

Looking back, I wonder how she held it together that day. Part stubbornness, part love, part determination. And part me seeing the mother I wanted, instead of being the daughter she needed.

 

In the first Tuesday Triage episode, I’m answering a listener’s question on how to use powers of attorney to care for a loved one with dementia.

You’ll learn:

If you’ve been avoiding these conversations with your parents, this episode is your gentle nudge to begin.

When someone dies, what’s your next step? 

Call 911? Hospice? The coroner? Google “funeral homes near me”?

 

Jamie Sarche reveals what really happens behind the scenes when someone dies, and how a lack of planning can leave your loved ones not only grieving, but feeling pressured, manipulated, and financially drained.

Listen to learn:

Have you ever witnessed someone taking their last breath?

Jamie Sarche has. Click here to watch her tell the story.

Thanks for being here.

Tuesday Triage is a new weekly series of short, bite-sized episodes where I answer questions about estate planning, probate and trusts from listeners like you. Your question might be featured in an upcoming episode!