With COVID-19 on everyone’s minds, we know that more people are thinking about their mortality, worrying about loved ones, and feeling anxious about what’s ahead.
At Cake, we’ve been planning for life’s unpredictable moments for years. Let us help you get organized and take back control.
Remember that we can try to focus on these three things during a pandemic:
- Physically distancing, so we can “flatten the curve”
- Socially connecting, so we support one another
- Making a plan, so we’re prepared for the future
You can try to put these principles into practice with our guidance below—whether you need a break from the news, tips on connecting with a vulnerable friend, or help getting your affairs in order.
If you’re still feeling anxious or worrying about your mortality, you can make your way through our Coronavirus Checklist as well.
If you’re feeling anxious or worrying about your mortality…
- Review our "5 Tips for Mortals in Uncertain Times"
- Remember that thinking about death doesn’t have to be morbid
- Lessen anxiety by proactively planning for your death by creating an end-of-life plan
- Get more familiar with death by reading these books
- Take time to care for yourself by practicing gratitude, trying these calming activities, or listening to a relaxing playlist at home
» MORE: Our members can save an average of $1000 when funeral planning. Join now.
If you’re concerned about the physical or mental health of a loved one…
- Help them prepare for a health event by talking to them about end-of-life planning and ensuring they have an advance directive
- If they can't create a legal advance directive because they don't have a printer and access to witnesses or a notary, get them to create a trusted decision maker form
- Read our guide on how to be the best long-distance health proxy or on how to be the best long-distance caregiver
- Call loved ones, especially older adults, to check-in and get to know them better by asking them these engaging questions
- Send sick friends a nice gift or ship a care package to someone in quarantine to let them know you care
- Try these tips for asking someone how you can help and learn what you can say if a loved one tests positive for coronavirus
If you want to prepare in case of a medical emergency…
- Download and complete your state’s essential healthcare documents
- If you don't have access to a printer and witnesses or a notoary to create a legal advance directive, complete a trusted decision maker form
- Learn who makes medical decisions for you if you’re incapacitated
- Create an emergency pet care plan
- Consider creating a financial power of attorney
» MORE: It's time to take your pre-planning seriously. Become a free member.
If you fear not being with a loved one at the end of their life…
- Try these alternative ways to stay connected when you can't be there in person
- Here are some tips for what to say to someone who’s dying
- Do some legacy work or collect family stories from your loved one over the phone or by video call
If you can’t hold a traditional funeral…
- Go digital and host a funeral using Zoom or livestream a funeral using another service
- Explore whether you could organize a drive-thru funeral
- Discover how long can you delay a funeral after a death
- Learn how to pay your respects from afar
- Use other creative ways to honor a loved one, such as setting up an online memorial, memorial donation, or planting a tree in their honor
» MORE: Commit to making a legal plan. Become a member now.
If you’re navigating grief while practicing social distancing…
- Find support and solace with these online grief support groups and grief support blogs
- Allow yourself time to process and reflect by starting a grief journal
- Conjure a positive emotion, gratitude, by writing thank you notes to caregivers who helped your loved one
- Learn how to support someone who is grieving from afar