Episodios

  • Who Will Speak for You? Choosing a Medical Power of Attorney | S3EP59

    Who Will Speak for You? Choosing a Medical Power of Attorney | S3EP59
    Jan 13 2026
    Episode Summary: If you're in the hospital and can't speak for yourself, who makes the medical decisions? In this episode of Thoughtful Planning, Honey and Santiago explore how to choose the right Medical Power of Attorney, someone who can handle the pressure, respect your wishes, and ask the tough questions. Essential Question: How do you choose the right person to be your Medical Power of Attorney and start that conversation? Episode Highlights: [02:16] What this document is and why it matters [04:01] How to select the best person for the role [05:50] Tips to start the conversation with confidence Action Steps: ✅ Choose your medical agent and backup ✅ Talk to them about your values and wishes ✅ Write down their names and addresses ✅ Write down their names and addresses ✅ Tune in to the next episode to complete your paperwork Resources: - Caring Info: https://www.caringinfo.org/resources/?_planning_topics=communicating - The Conversation Project: https://theconversationproject.org/ Questions? info@legacytoolkit.com Disclaimer: We are not attorneys, financial advisors, or medical professionals. Everything shared is for educational purposes only. We focused on Texas laws; research the laws in your state. Consult an estate planning attorney for complex situations. 🎧 Subscribe and leave a review to help more families plan for life’s “what ifs.” #MedicalPowerOfAttorney #FamilyPlanning #ThoughtfulPlanningPodcast #HealthcareDecisions #EmergencyPlanning Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    10 m
  • Living Will: How to Complete the Texas Directive to Physicians (Part 3 of 3) | S3EP58

    Living Will: How to Complete the Texas Directive to Physicians (Part 3 of 3) | S3EP58
    Dec 31 2025
    Episode Summary: You've done the thinking work and considered your addendums. Now it's time to complete your Texas living will and make it legally valid. Walk through the form step by step and learn how to sign, notarize, and store your document so the right people can find it when needed. Essential Question: How do you turn your medical treatment preferences into a legally valid living will? Episode Highlights: [00:00] Opening: The 20-minute project you've been putting off [00:40] Welcome and disclaimer [01:12] Essential question [01:32] Recap of episodes 56 and 57 [02:42] Two options to access the form [04:18] Walking through the eFileTexas site [05:38] Terminal and irreversible condition questions [06:33] Naming your advocate (placeholder option) [08:26] Additional requests and addendums [10:33] Legal resources [11:32] Signing: witnesses and notary [13:14] Storing your document [14:38] You can do this in under 30 minutes [15:41] Essential question answered [17:19] Next episode preview [17:37] Timing options Takeaways: ✅ If you've done the prep work, completing the form takes under 30 minutes ✅ Two options: Texas HHS PDF (skip sections) or eFileTexas (guided, but agent field mandatory) ✅ Use your own name as a placeholder if you don't know your healthcare agent yet ✅ Get both witnesses AND notary for extra validity ✅ Keep an inventory log of everyone who has copies Action Steps (links under the resource section below): Choose your method: Texas HHS PDF or eFileTexas Complete the form using your prep work from episodes 56 and 57 Reference addendums in "Additional Requests" section (if applicable) Find a notary (county offices, banks, UPS Store, neighborhood) Sign when the notary directs you with two witnesses present Distribute copies to healthcare agent, doctor, and family Keep an inventory log of who has copies Resources: Note: Links may change over time. If a link doesn't work, try searching for the resource name. Texas HHS Advance Directives (English & Spanish): https://www.hhs.texas.gov/formas/advance-directives eFileTexas Self-Help Site: https://texas.tylertech.cloud/SRL/srl/ExecuteInterview Emory Healthcare Critical Conditions Planning Guide: https://www.hcethics.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=328955&module_id=377761 Compassion & Choices Toolkit (English/Spanish): https://compassionandchoices.org/resource/eoldgt/ Episode 56 (Part 1) - Values Prep Work: https://youtu.be/sq7asB8MhUM Episode 57 (Part 2) - Addendums Explained: https://youtu.be/Hw-oSJE5RRA Texas Legal Help: Certified Lawyer Referral: https://www.texasbar.com/Content/NavigationMenu/ForThePublic/DoYouNeedaLawyer/CertifiedLawyerReferralServices1/default.htm Texas Law Help: https://texaslawhelp.org/directory Phone: (800) 252-9690 Chat: https://texaslawhelp.org/ask-a-question Walk-in clinics: https://texaslawhelp.org/legal-events-and-clinics Addendum Heading Format: "ADDENDUM TO DIRECTIVE TO PHYSICIANS AND FAMILY OR SURROGATES" Title: [Your addendum topic] This document should be read together with my Directive to Physicians and Family or Surrogates under Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 166. This addendum is intended to guide my physicians, family members, and medical decision makers in understanding my values, priorities, and preferences regarding medical treatment and end-of-life care. This document does not replace my Directive. In the event of any inconsistency, my Directive is the controlling document. Next Episode: Medical Power of Attorney: How to choose your healthcare agent and have that conversation with them. Questions? info@legacytoolkit.com Disclaimer: We are not attorneys, financial advisors, or medical professionals. Everything shared is for educational purposes only. We focused on Texas laws; research the laws in your state. Consult an estate planning attorney for complex situations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    19 m
  • Living Will Addendums: 4 Documents That Could Strengthen Your Advance Directive | S3EP57

    Living Will Addendums: 4 Documents That Could Strengthen Your Advance Directive | S3EP57
    Dec 16 2025
    You've completed your living will, but what happens when your basic directive doesn't cover specific situations? Learn about four addendums that can strengthen your living will and hopefully help your wishes be honored in complex scenarios. Essential Question: What additional documents might strengthen your living will and help ensure your specific wishes are understood? Episode Highlights: [00:04] Opening scenarios [01:02] What are addendums? [03:02] Advisory vs. binding [03:41] Formatting suggestions [04:56] Personal Values & Care Preferences [05:59] Dementia Directive [06:28] Sectarian Healthcare Directive [07:18] Hospital Visitation Authorization [11:27] Next episode preview Takeaways: ✅ Addendums provide deeper context ✅ They appear advisory rather than strictly binding ✅ Medical staff reference living will first, then they might reference addendums for more information Action Steps (links under the resource section below): Download Compassion & Choices (C&C) toolkit Complete Emory Guide OR C&C Values Toolkit Select & complete relevant addendums Add suggested heading or heading advised from your attorney Use blue ink if handwriting Do NOT sign yet Resources: Emory Healthcare Critical Conditions Planning Guide (Pages 15-24): https://ethics.emory.edu/what-we-do/programs/health/critical.html Compassion & Choices (C&C) Toolkit (English/Spanish): https://compassionandchoices.org/resource/eoldgt/ Personal Values (pages 21-23 & 25-26) Dementia Directive (pages 27-32) Sectarian Healthcare Directive (page 35) Hospital Visitation Authorization (page 39) Episode 57 (Part 1): https://youtu.be/sq7asB8MhUM Episode 33 - Dementia Directives: https://youtu.be/cH9Jc_8LNlE Texas Legal Help: Certified Lawyer Referral: https://www.texasbar.com/Content/NavigationMenu/ForThePublic/DoYouNeedaLawyer/CertifiedLawyerReferralServices1/default.htm Texas Law Help: https://texaslawhelp.org/directory Phone: (800) 252-9690 Chat: https://texaslawhelp.org/ask-a-question Walk-in clinics: https://texaslawhelp.org/legal-events-and-clinics Addendum Heading Format: "ADDENDUM TO DIRECTIVE TO PHYSICIANS AND FAMILY OR SURROGATES" Title: [Your addendum topic] This document should be read together with my Directive to Physicians and Family or Surrogates under Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 166. This addendum is intended to guide my physicians, family members, and medical decision makers in understanding my values, priorities, and preferences regarding medical treatment and end-of-life care. This document does not replace my Directive. In the event of any inconsistency, my Directive is the controlling document. Next Episode: Completing the Texas living will form, including witness requirements, notarization, and signing. Questions? info@legacytoolkit.com Disclaimer: We are not attorneys, financial advisors, or medical professionals. Everything shared is for educational purposes only. Consult an estate planning attorney in your state. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    12 m
  • Living Will Preparation: What You Need to Know Before Completing Your Advance Directive (Part 1 of 3) | S3EP56

    Living Will Preparation: What You Need to Know Before Completing Your Advance Directive (Part 1 of 3) | S3EP56
    Dec 2 2025
    Episode Summary: Meet Simone (story from Emory Critical Conditions Planning Guide). At 28, after a car accident, she's in a permanent vegetative state. Her family faces an impossible choice: keep her on life support indefinitely or allow natural death. The problem? They're guessing what she'd want because she never told them. In this episode, we walk through the critical thinking work you need to do BEFORE filling out your living will so your wishes are clear when it matters most. Essential Question: What decisions do you have to make about your values and priorities before you can meaningfully complete your advance directives? Episode Highlights: 00:03 - Simone's story: Why preparation matters 02:43 - Understanding advance directives (it's more than one form) 04:27 - Texas Living Will basics (and how to find your state's forms) 06:04 - The problem: Why people freeze mid-form 08:02 - The Emory Guide: Your prep work tool 10:24 - Terminal vs. irreversible conditions explained 12:19 - Specific treatments: feeding tubes, ventilators, CPR 14:32 - Santiago's feeding tube story 16:51 - Core values: What makes life worth living? 19:15 - Why emergency docs need quick, clear instructions 22:33 - Thinking about your healthcare agent 24:31 - Your action steps before the next episode Key Takeaways: • Advance directives are a collection of forms, not just one document • The real challenge isn't finding forms (many states offer them free) but being prepared to complete them thoughtfully • Terminal condition = expected to die within 6 months even with treatment • Irreversible condition = can be treated but never cured, can't care for yourself • The Emory Critical Conditions Planning Guide helps you clarify values before filling out legal forms • In emergencies, doctors need clear, concise wishes (not lengthy explanations) • Focus on the first 26 pages of the Emory Guide for the most critical work Action Steps: 1. Download the Emory Critical Conditions Planning Guide (link in show notes) 2. Work through scenarios - don't rush, this is deep personal thinking 3. Start thinking about who you'd trust as your healthcare agent and consider a backup person (don't approach them yet) 4. Email info@legacytoolkit.com with questions Resources: 📋 START HERE: Emory Critical Conditions Planning Guide: https://ethics.emory.edu/what-we-do/programs/health/critical.html Texas Advance Directives (reference only - complete the Emory Guide first): https://www.hhs.texas.gov/formas/advance-directives For listeners in other states: Search "[your state] advance directives" and look for official .gov websites Next Episode: Part 2: Optional addendums for your living will - what's available and how to decide if they make sense for you Connect With Us: 🎙️ Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music, Pandora 📧 info@legacytoolkit.com 🌐 LegacyToolkit.com #ThoughtfulPlanning #LivingWill #AdvanceDirectives #EndOfLifePlanning #HealthcareDecisions #LegacyToolkit #EmoryGuide #MedicalPlanning Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    26 m
  • Year 3 Kickoff: The Missing Piece in Legal Document Planning | S3EP55

    Year 3 Kickoff: The Missing Piece in Legal Document Planning | S3EP55
    Nov 18 2025
    Episode Summary: For years, Honey thought you needed a lawyer to get your will and advance directives done. Then she discovered many states (including Texas!) provide these documents for free. But knowing where forms are isn't enough. In this Year 3 kickoff, Honey and Santiago share the missing piece: preparation. They're launching a series to walk you through each foundational legal document, one at a time. Essential Question: What's the difference between knowing where to find legal documents and actually being prepared to complete them? Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only. We are not attorneys, financial advisors, or medical professionals. Key Takeaways: ✅ Many states provide free legal document templates online (availability varies) ✅ Attorneys are valuable for complex assets, blended families, business owners, special needs families ✅ Preparation is key - make decisions BEFORE filling out forms ✅ Different documents need different people (medical POA ≠ financial POA ≠ executor) ✅ At 18, parents lose automatic access to medical records (April's story) ✅ Series focuses on Texas forms, but preparation applies universally In This Episode: [0:04] Cold open: Free state legal documents discovery [1:21] Disclaimers & when to use attorneys [2:33] Reflecting on 3 years of learning [4:38] April's story: 18-year-old medical surprise [5:36] New series introduction (Texas focus) [7:47] Why forms sit half-finished [9:20] Start your planning notebook [12:08] Next episode preview [12:28] Essential question & attorney discussion [17:37] Homework assignment [19:11] Closing thoughts Action Steps: 📝 Start a "Legal Documents Journey" notebook (paper or digital) 👥 Create "People to Consider" section with contact info 💭 Think about who's good with finances vs. medical vs. organization ⏸️ Don't finalize yet, just brainstorm 📲 Share with parents of 17-18 year olds Resources Mentioned: AARP Legal Documents Links: https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/financial-legal/free-printable-advance-directives/ April's Episode: https://youtu.be/FKbdbbY7TxI Coming Up Next: Next Episode: Advance Care Directives - Your Voice When You Can't Speak We'll cover what they are, why you need one, questions to ask yourself, and conversations to have. Connect With Us: 🎙️ Follow: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music, Pandora 📺 YouTube: Subscribe & hit the notification bell 📧 Email: info@legacytoolkit.com 🌐 Website: LegacyToolkit.com #ThoughtfulPlanning #LegalDocuments #EstatePlanning #AdvanceDirectives #PowerOfAttorney #FreeLegalForms #TexasLegalForms #EndOfLifePlanning #18YearOldPlanning #LegacyToolkit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    20 m
  • The Dementia Deck: Planning with Clarity While You Still Can | S2EP54

    The Dementia Deck: Planning with Clarity While You Still Can | S2EP54
    Nov 4 2025
    Episode Summary: According to Compassion & Choices, one in three older adults will die with dementia. Honey & Santiago introduce The Dementia Deck, a 41-card conversation tool to express your care preferences while clear of mind. They discuss caregiving worries, feeding tubes, late-stage care decisions, and fears about living with dementia. Essential Question: If you were diagnosed with dementia tomorrow, would your loved ones know what kind of care matters most to you? Content Warning: This episode discusses dementia and its challenges. If you or someone you love is dealing with dementia, please take care of yourself. This episode introduces a planning tool, not professional help. Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only. We are not doctors, therapists, or lawyers. Key Takeaways: • 1 in 3 older adults will die with dementia; 14 million Americans by 2050 • Alzheimer's deaths increased 145% while heart disease deaths decreased 9% (last 20 years) • Dementia Deck has 41 cards for exploring care preferences while clear-minded • Younger onset dementia can begin in 30s or 40s • Start with comfort questions (music, hobbies) before heavy care decisions • As of October 2025, Nevada is only state with dementia-specific advance directive forms • Other states: use dementia-directive.org form as addendum • This is a conversation starter, NOT legal documentation Episode Highlights: [0:04] Cold open: Dementia statistics [2:28] Essential question [2:38] Younger onset dementia (30s/40s) [3:00] The Dementia Deck: 41 cards [4:36] Card 1: Caregiver worries [6:05] Accepting help & self-care [7:55] Card 2: Feeding tube decisions [9:25] Card 3: Late stage care [10:42] Open question: Biggest worries [10:55] Santiago: Being a burden [11:38] Honey: Forgetting loved ones [12:20] Caring is loving, not burdensome [13:52] Legal documentation options [15:27] Practical tips [17:00] Where to get the deck [18:01] Closing thoughts Action Steps: ✅ Order The Dementia Deck at thedeathdeck.com ✅ Start with comfort questions (music, hobbies, sources of joy) ✅ Include the right people in the conversation (spouse, adult children, siblings) ✅ Have the conversation more than once as preferences change ✅ Document the answers (record or take detailed notes) ✅ Share your wishes with your power of attorney, adult children, doctor ✅ Get the form at dementia-directive.org ✅ Talk to estate planning attorney about adding as addendum to advance directives Resources: • The Dementia Deck: https://thedeathdeck.com/collections/shop-all-decks • Dementia Directive Form: https://dementia-directive.org • Episode 33 - Psychiatric and Dementia Directives: https://youtu.be/cH9Jc_8LNlE • Compassion & Choices - Dementia and End-of-Life Care: https://compassionandchoices.org/resource/dementia-and-end-of-life-care/ • Death Deck Episode: https://youtu.be/m6w0HpWhU_g • EOL Deck Episode: https://youtu.be/4xvGIQAdizI Connect: Website: https://www.legacytoolkit.com/podcast Email: info@legacytoolkit.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/legacytoolkitwithsantiagoandhoney LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/legacy-toolkit Keywords: Dementia Deck, dementia planning, advance directives, dementia care preferences, Alzheimer's planning, caregiving, end-of-life planning, dementia directive, memory care decisions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    19 m
  • End of Life Conversations: Using the EOL Deck to Talk About Final Wishes S2EP53

    End of Life Conversations: Using the EOL Deck to Talk About Final Wishes S2EP53
    Oct 21 2025
    Episode Summary: In our last episode, we used The Death Deck while everyone was healthy. But what happens when someone is actually facing the end of life? Honey & Santiago introduce The EOL Deck, a tool for families, caregivers, & healthcare providers to explore what truly matters in someone's final chapter. They work through real questions & exchange answers to show how these difficult conversations unfold. Essential Question: If someone you love were facing the end of their life right now, would you know what truly matters to them in their final days? Content Warning: This episode discusses end-of-life topics. Please take care of yourself & listen when you're ready. Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only. We are not doctors or lawyers. Key Takeaways: • The EOL Deck is for when someone is actually facing end of life • 52 cards with casual tone, multiple-choice & open-ended questions • For families, caregivers, & healthcare providers • Preview cards & select questions suited to each patient • Start with cards about life & legacy for those less ready • Conversation starters, NOT legal documents • Created by Lori LoCicero & Lisa Pahl (hospice social worker) • Part of series: Death Deck, EOL Deck, Dementia Deck Episode Highlights: [0:04] Cold open: What happens when death is no longer abstract? [1:16] Essential question [3:16] Meet creators: Lori LoCicero & Lisa Pahl [5:47] First card: Ideal location for final breath [7:55] Santiago: Outside in nature [9:07] Honey: Grandkids playing, life happening [10:20] Third card: What to smell in final days [11:30] Gratitude question - What are you most thankful for? [12:17] Santiago's emotional answer about their life together [15:47] Professional tips: Preview & select cards [19:56] Start conversations early [20:30] Consider recording conversations Action Steps: ✅ Order at thedeathdeck.com ✅ Preview cards before using ✅ Start with life & legacy cards ✅ Make conversations comfortable ✅ Document with notes or recordings ✅ Legally document wishes with advance care directives Resources: • EOL Deck: https://thedeathdeck.com/collections/shop-all-decks • Death Deck Episode: https://youtu.be/m6w0HpWhU_g • Advance directives: https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/financial-legal/free-printable-advance-directives/ Connect: Website: https://www.legacytoolkit.com/podcast Email: info@legacytoolkit.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/legacytoolkitwithsantiagoandhoney LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/legacy-toolkit Keywords: EOL Deck, end-of-life conversations, advance directives, hospice care, palliative care, final wishes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    22 m
  • How The Death Deck Helps Start End-of-Life Conversations S2EP52

    How The Death Deck Helps Start End-of-Life Conversations S2EP52
    Oct 7 2025
    Episode Summary: In our last episode, we talked about how HBO's "The Pitt" could be a conversation starter for families to discuss end-of-life wishes. Today, we're sharing another tool that makes these conversations easier with some fun. Honey and Santiago play The Death Deck, a card game with 112 questions designed to spark lively discussions about death. Watch as they discover just how well they really know each other's end-of-life wishes through multiple choice questions and open-ended prompts. Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only. We are not doctors or lawyers. Please consult with healthcare professionals or estate planning attorneys about your specific situation. Essential Question: How well do you really know your family's thoughts about death and end-of-life wishes? Content Warning: Today we're talking about a card game dealing with end-of-life topics. This card game is designed to spark conversations, not to make light of the topic of death. Please talk to a professional or call a helpline to seek help if you're facing difficulties. Please take care of yourself. You don't have to face anything alone. Key Takeaways: The Death Deck contains 112 cards with multiple choice and open-ended questions about death The game is designed for when you're healthy, not during active end-of-life situations Specialized decks exist for specific situations (EOL Deck, Dementia Deck) Card games are conversation starters but never replace legal documentation Review cards before playing with groups to remove triggering content Episode Highlights: [0:04] Introduction and Connection to The Pitt Episode - How conversation tools help families discuss end-of-life [0:44] Content Warning - Sensitivity notice for listeners [0:59] Welcome and Disclaimer - Meet Honey and Santiago [1:21] Essential Question - How well do you know your family's thoughts about death? [1:29] The Death Deck Introduction - 112 cards designed to spark discussion [1:59] How The Death Deck Works - Multiple choice vs open-ended questions and different ways to play [3:28] Gameplay Segment Begins - Honey and Santiago play three rounds [3:50] Round 1: Space Cremains Question - Would you send cremated remains into space? [5:17] Round 2: Cremation Jewelry Question - Would you wear jewelry containing loved one's remains? [7:11] Round 3: Memorial Video Question - Making a video to be played after death [9:05] Open-Ended Question: "I See Dead People" - Who would you want as your official greeter upon death? [10:44] Other Specialized Decks - EOL Deck and Dementia Deck for specific situations [11:56] Important Reminder - Card games never replace legal documentation [12:43] Call to Action - Get The Death Deck or find another conversation starter [13:15] Essential Question Revisited - Circling back to how well you know your family Action Steps: ✅ Consider getting The Death Deck or finding another way to start these conversations with your family ✅ If making it a party, review cards first and remove any that might be triggering Resources Shared: The Death Deck, EOL Deck, and Dementia Deck: https://thedeathdeck.com/collections/shop-all-decks State advance directive forms for legal documentation of wishes: https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/financial-legal/free-printable-advance-directives/ Connect with Thoughtful Planning: Website: https://www.legacytoolkit.com/contact Email: info@legacytoolkit.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/legacytoolkitwithsantiagoandhoney LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/legacy-toolkit Thank You for Listening! Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to start these important family conversations. Keywords: The Death Deck, death conversations, family planning, end-of-life wishes, advance directives, conversation starters, EOL Deck, Dementia Deck, family communication, end-of-life planning Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    14 m
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