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Sometimes it feels as if your bereavement will never end. You feel as if you’d give anything to have the pain go away; to have the long lonely hours between nightfall and dawn pass without heartache. You are not the only grieving person who has longed for some measure of relief.
In the novel, My Sister’s Keeper, author Jodi Picoult wrote, “There should be a statute of limitations on grief. A rule book that says it is all right to wake up crying, but only for a month. That after 42 days you will no longer turn with your heart racing, certain you have heard her call out your name.”
No such rule book exists. Grief counselors and therapists tell us that the length of time it takes anyone to grieve the loss of someone they held dear to them is dependent on the situation, how attached you were to the deceased, how they died, your age and gender. So many variables exist and there’s absolutely no way to predict how long it will take for you to adapt to your loss.
The Difference Between Normal and Complicated Grief
Research findings have led experts to come up with many differing categories of grief experience ranging from normal to complicated. Normal (or uncomplicated) grief has no timeline and encompasses a range of feelings and behaviors common after loss such as bodily distress, guilt, hostility, preoccupation with the image of the deceased, and the inability to function as one had before the loss. All are normal and present us with profound, and seemingly endless, challenges. Yet, Katherine Walsh says, “Over the course of time, with average social support…most individuals will gradually experience a diminishment of these feelings, behaviors, and sensations.”
So, how can you know if your bereavement is no longer within the range of normal? Ms. Walsh goes on to say, “While there is no definitive time period by which this happens, if an individual or members of a family continue to experience distress intensely or for a prolonged period—or even unexpectedly years after a loss—they may benefit from treatment for complicated grief.”
A Useful Model for Assessment: Worden’s Four Tasks of Mourning
There are certain tasks that, when achieved during your bereavement, can successfully allow you to emerge on the other side of loss as a better, stronger, and more resilient individual. James Worden proposed these four tasks:
To accept the reality of the loss
To process the pain of grief
To adjust to a world without the deceased
To find an enduring connection with the deceased in the midst of embarking on a new life
Instead of focusing on your bodily discomforts, feelings, and common behaviors, this model allows you to better see where you may be stuck or stalled in the adaptive process. Fortunately, Worden also gives us a list of indicators advising that "any one of these clues in and of itself may not be sufficient" for a diagnosis of complicated grief. "However," he continues, "any of these…should be taken seriously, and the diagnosis of complicated grief should be considered when they appear."
12 Clues... 12 Insights
While grief educators and theorists tell us that a diagnosis of complicated grief should not even be attempted until after the first anniversary of the death, if any one of the following symptomatic clues exists for longer than six months, you may want to consider grief counseling or grief therapy:
There are many types of complicated grief; it can be delayed, masked, exaggerated, or chronic. Self-diagnosis is without purpose. A year after the death, if you feel your grief symptoms worsening, we advise that you seek a referral from your family physician for professional grief counseling or therapy.
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It is illegal for an insurance agent to call you regarding Medicare, Do not talk to someone you have not given permission to call. Ask them for their National Producer number and report them to Medicare for an unsolicited call. CMS has made many changes for Medicare recipients. If you want to enroll or review your plan over the phone, you need to agree to be recorded, and Medicare requires us to keep the recording for 10 years. In person, appointments do not have that requirement, but you need to sign a scope of appointment that authorizes us to talk to you about Medicare Advantage or a Drug Plan. It does not allow us to do anything but talk to you about these topics. One of the biggest changes for 2025 related to Medicare Part D Prescriptions whether withing a Part C Advantage plan or a stand-alone Part D drug Plan. Your yearly Part D out-of-pocket costs will be capped at $2,000 in 2025. You must buy medications using your plan and the medication must be in formulary to go toward the cap. You will also have a payment option to pay out-pocket costs in monthly amounts over the plan year, instead of paying when you receive the medications. This is done through the insurance company that you purchased your plan. When you turn 65 you are eligible for Medicare, once you have worked 40 quarters roughly 10 years there is no cost for Medicare Part A. Part A covers Hospitals, Skilled Nursing, Home Health & Hospice. Medicare Part B you can choose to take at 65 or you can hold off if you are still working and have credible coverage. If you do not have group health insurance that is considered qualified, and then you want it you would have a late enrollment penalty for each month you did not have Part B & Part D and that penalty will last for the rest of your life. Part B covers doctors, imaging, blood work, ambulance, durable medical equipment, etc. Part D is a Medicare Drug Plan and covers medications. During your initial enrollment period it is especially important to understand your options! Medicare Supplements/Medigap Plans are NOT guaranteed issue you may need to medically qualify. You can purchase a Medigap Plan during your 1st 6 months on Medicare Part B without medical underwriting. There are a lot of things you need to know. Again, work with an agent you can trust! Especially important: when you move you need to know your options. Can you keep the same plan? Do you need to make a change and what does that look like? Special Enrollment Periods You moved out of your plans service area, New to Medicare, Retiring and coming off of your employer group plan, Going into or out of Skilled Nursing, Medicaid and others may apply. We offer Free Medicare Seminars in Lee & Collier County please e-mail info@logicalinsurance.com to register or call 239-362-0855 for dates. Medicares website is www.Medicare.gov. Travel Insurance Did you know that most health insurance does NOT cover you outside of the country and that includes a cruise, in international waters (4 miles out). Travel insurance is not just about trip cancelation but most importantly what if you got sick or had an accident on your trip. Medical Trip insurance is very important and most of the time not very costly when you out way the benefits. Life Insurance You are never too young to have life insurance, and many types offer living benefits. As an example, I purchase life insurance for my grandchildren almost as soon as they are born. Their policy continues to build cash value that they can use during their lives, for education, wedding or even a 1st home purchase. The younger you are the lower the cost. There are many types of life insurance, and it is important to understand the differences between them. You also have payment options, such as 10-Pay, this type of policy you can pay the premium in full in 10 years, there are other terms available as wellLong Term Care Insurance Overall, 48.7% of older adults with ADL difficulties (or an estimated 3 million persons aged 70 and older) reported needing some sort of personal assistance with one or more ADLs, and, of those individuals with need, 20.7% (or an estimated 629,000 persons) had an unmet need. Long Term Care Insurance helps pay for in-home or facility-based needs, such as assistance with acts of daily living or help with paying for a facility. Start shopping for this insurance in your 40s, but its never too late to try. Your overall health will pay a major roll in the cost of the plans premium. The sooner than later for affordability. You have payment options such as a single payment, 10-Pay where the premium is paid-in-full in 10 years. You also get a discount with most companies doing a joint policy with your spouse. Remember Medicare is NOT meant for Nursing Home Care/Skilled Nursing. Logical Insurance Solutions is a SWFL Insurance Broker that works with most of the carriers, we are happy to help you through the maze. This is what we do daily, it is second nature to us. We offer virtual seminars, one on one Webex, phone and in-person appointments.To learn more about your options call to schedule an appointment contact: Logical Insurance Solutions for all your insurance needs, I am licensed in 36 states. www.Logicalinsurance.com 239-362-0855 info@Logicalinsurance.com By Ulla-Undine Merritt (Dee) National Producer Number (NPN) 8853366
In a world full of content, few conversations cut through the noise to deliver authenticity, depth, and heart. Captured Connections, hosted by Kristen Goodman, is one of those rare gems and its debut episode is a masterclass in meaningful storytelling you won't want to miss.In Episode 1, Kristen invites listeners into an intimate space where personal experience and professional insight beautifully intertwine. Through her warm, engaging style, she shares her passion for building genuine connections whether through a camera lens, a heartfelt conversation, or a brand's evolving story. Kristens unique perspective, rooted in years of capturing moments and creating lasting relationships, sets the tone for what promises to be an inspiring and transformative podcast series.CLICK HERE TO LISTEN! OR ON APPLE PODCAST: CLICK HERE!Listeners of Captured Connections can expect a journey into the power of human connection, creativity, and authenticity. Kristens approachable yet insightful storytelling reveals the magic that happens when we slow down, listen deeply, and truly see each other. Whether youre an entrepreneur, a creative professional, or simply someone who values deeper connections in your everyday life, this podcast offers a refreshing and uplifting perspective.Why You Should Listen to Episode 1: Authenticity at its Core: Kristens conversation style is genuine and heartfelt, making you feel like youre chatting with a trusted friend. Inspiring Takeaways: From building a brand that reflects your true self to appreciating life's fleeting moments, theres wisdom for anyone looking to live and work with more intention. A New Favorite Voice: Kristen's voiceboth literally and figurativelyis a calming, encouraging presence that stands out in today's fast-paced media landscape. Captured Connections isnt just a podcast; its an invitation to slow down, connect, and find the beauty in everyday moments. Dont miss the first episode, available now on Simplecast and wherever you get your podcasts. Tune in, and let yourself be inspired to capture the connections that make life truly meaningful.
Modern families come in all shapes and sizes - second marriages, stepchildren, unmarried life partners, and chosen families. But with more love comes more complexity, especially when it comes to estate planning. Without a solid plan in place, blended families can face unintended disinheritance, disputes, and financial hardships. If your family doesnt fit the traditional mold, you need an estate plan that reflects your unique dynamics and protects everyone you care about. Without careful planning, estate distribution can get messed up in ways you never intended. One risk is unintended disinheritance. If you leave everything to your spouse, thinking they will do the right thing and provide for your children from a previous relationship - well, think again. Once they inherit, they can legally leave assets to whomever they choose, including their own children, new spouses, or anyone else.Another potential mishap is a conflict between children and a surviving spouse. If your children and your new spouse both expect to inherit, tensions can run high. Lack of clarity in your estate plan often leads to disputes, and disputes often mean court. Along the same lines, if minor children inherit assets, an ex-spouse could end up managing those funds, even if thats the last thing you want. Additionally, you may want to provide for your biological children, stepchildren, and spouse differently. Without clear instructions, your estate could be divided in ways that dont align with your wishes. A final concern of note: beneficiary designations. Life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and other beneficiary-designated assets pass outside of a will or trust. If you havent updated your beneficiary designations since a divorce or remarriage, your assets may end up with unintended beneficiaries. So how do we plan for a blended family? It requires a little extra care, to ensure your wishes are honored and your loved ones are protected:Consider using a trust instead of a will. A well-structured trust, for example, can allow your spouse to receive income or a specified amount of your assets while ensuring that what remains goes to your children. This protects both parties and helps remove the risk of disinheritance.Get specific about who gets what. This includes stepchildren, biological children, and even non-family members who you want to include in your estate.Update beneficiary designations to make sure your retirement plans, life insurance, and other payable-on-death accounts align with your current estate plan.Name a Trustee or Executor who is going to be fair, and potentially doesnt have a large stake in your estate. Naming stepchildren, or even your surviving spouse as the person in charge of your plan can create conflicts. A more neutral party can help ensure fair distribution and your wishes are followed.Plan for long-term care and Medicaid. If one spouse needs long-term care, assets can be depleted quickly, leaving little for the surviving spouse or children. Proper Medicaid planning, using an asset protection trust, can help.Most of all, it is important to remember to have these honest conversations. Blended family estate planning is as much about communication as it is about legal documents. Setting clear expectations with your spouse and children can prevent future disputes.No two families are the same, which means estate planning shouldnt be one-size-fits-all. A well-crafted plan can provide financial security, prevent conflicts, and ensure that your wishes are carried out.
We are not your traditional funeral home. We are independently owned and family operated, with three generations working together. We don't have large visitation rooms and chapels as we feel these settings don't hold any special importance or meaning to families. We do not feel the need to replicate what already exists in our community. Our goal is to remain right-sized, offer simple options, and do our very best to keep our costs down so that we can pass savings on to the families we serve.A traditional funeral home is not the most comfortable setting for a visitation, funeral service, or remembrance of life event. Most families prefer a venue that holds special meaning and provides solace. At Legacy Options Funeral and Cremation Services, we encourage you to use your own church or fellowship hall for whatever type of reception you choose. Or if you like, we can help you select a beautiful, tranquil setting in our Southwest Florida community.Please know when you entrust us with the care of your loved one, all of our preparations and cremation services are done within our facility, under our oversight, and according to our high standards of quality.Please see our online pricing for funeral and cremation plans. We hope Legacy Options Funeral and Cremation Services will be your choice when the time comes or when you consider planning ahead.Full-Service Funeral HomeWe strive to provide families of Southwest Florida with the most affordable, personalized memorial options in a caring atmosphere.
We are not your traditional funeral home. We are independently owned and family operated, with three generations working together. We don't have large visitation rooms and chapels as we feel these settings don't hold any special importance or meaning to families. We do not feel the need to replicate what already exists in our community. Our goal is to remain right-sized, offer simple options, and do our very best to keep our costs down so that we can pass savings on to the families we serve.A traditional funeral home is not the most comfortable setting for a visitation, funeral service, or remembrance of life event. Most families prefer a venue that holds special meaning and provides solace. At Legacy Options Funeral and Cremation Services, we encourage you to use your own church or fellowship hall for whatever type of reception you choose. Or if you like, we can help you select a beautiful, tranquil setting in our Southwest Florida community.Please know when you entrust us with the care of your loved one, all of our preparations and cremation services are done within our facility, under our oversight, and according to our high standards of quality.Please see our online pricing for funeral and cremation plans. We hope Legacy Options Funeral and Cremation Services will be your choice when the time comes or when you consider planning ahead.Full-Service Funeral HomeWe strive to provide families of Southwest Florida with the most affordable, personalized memorial options in a caring atmosphere.
We are not your traditional funeral home. We are independently owned and family operated, with three generations working together. We don't have large visitation rooms and chapels as we feel these settings don't hold any special importance or meaning to families. We do not feel the need to replicate what already exists in our community. Our goal is to remain right-sized, offer simple options, and do our very best to keep our costs down so that we can pass savings on to the families we serve.A traditional funeral home is not the most comfortable setting for a visitation, funeral service, or remembrance of life event. Most families prefer a venue that holds special meaning and provides solace. At Legacy Options Funeral and Cremation Services, we encourage you to use your own church or fellowship hall for whatever type of reception you choose. Or if you like, we can help you select a beautiful, tranquil setting in our Southwest Florida community.Please know when you entrust us with the care of your loved one, all of our preparations and cremation services are done within our facility, under our oversight, and according to our high standards of quality.Please see our online pricing for funeral and cremation plans. We hope Legacy Options Funeral and Cremation Services will be your choice when the time comes or when you consider planning ahead.Full-Service Funeral HomeWe strive to provide families of Southwest Florida with the most affordable, personalized memorial options in a caring atmosphere.