IT'S MY LIFE KIT
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

KIT stands for Keep In Touch. This is a KIT for life, through the end of life. The KIT’s themed sections open the door to communication about important life decisions. Simple checklists make the sections easy to complete. The KIT gives you an opportunity to: Write a letter about your life to your loved ones Create a personal life history and family tree Help your loved ones locate important items Make plans for pet care and driving, and for someone to go with you to medical visits/hospital stays Prepare an Advance Directive, which allows you to express your wishes for health care Review a sample Durable Power of Attorney, which allows someone to act on your behalf in a legal or business matter Explain your end-of-life preparation, state personal choices for your care and your memorial, and create an ethical will, which shares your values, beliefs, stories, joys, and dreams with future generations Put your will/trust, other documents, and some important photos in one place

Acknowledgments from Barbara Passarelli, the original KIT Developer: Although all three of my brothers are attorneys and I work in the health care field, after my mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, I didn’t have her Health Care Power of Attorney form until three days before I suddenly needed it! I was Mom’s care partner and was responsible for making decisions she became unable to make. I learned a lot of lessons about being prepared along our family’s journey with Alzheimer’s. For my 50th birthday, I decided on a project to help my family, because in addition to Mom, other women in the three generations above me have gotten Alzheimer’s disease. I created what I called The Mom Box for each of our children, and I included in it many of the forms you will find in this KIT. I gave the originals to my husband. When I presented the box I said, “If you need it, it’s my gift to you,” and afterward I felt a great sense of relief. The “Box” evolved over the years into this “KIT,” meant as a tool kit not just for people who are possibly facing a serious illness, but for all adults who want to be able to truly live their lives free from “What if?,” because they have everything in place so that others can act on their behalf. I have learned so much about life, love, and strength from the families I work with daily as I help them face the challenges of memory loss. I appreciate the insight and input I received from my professional colleagues, Randall Bryson, Andrea Gillispie, Frank Hales, and Todd Peterson; the support and blessing of the owners of ElderHealth & Living, Liz von Wellsheim, GNP, Nancy Koll, and Ronda Perkins; and the honesty of our dear friends, the Padillas, as they “test-drove” the KIT. I thank my family – Jeff, Sarina, Greg, Dominic, and Naomi, and my siblings, Tony, Bonnie, Chris, Fred, and their families for the endless brainstorming discussions, their willingness to make tough family decisions, and their united strength and ability to have fun along the way. Mom – Nancy Crawford – this is from and for you. Barbara Passarelli ~ January 21, 2009

The kit contents are evaluated annually and modified to remain current to the law.

Yes! Purchases of three or more copies receive a 20% discount.

While the approach will vary depending on family communication styles, families often find success in the following approach: during a family gathering, talk about the importance of being prepared if one of us is unable to express ourselves due to illness. Discuss how important it is to you that everyone is clear on your wishes.

To be successful, it is important that everyone involved feels they are heard. Speak in positives rather than negatives in your approach when discussing these steps.

Yes we do! I couldn’t sell something I would not want to use myself.