Use Check-Out to keep the family connected during the COVID-19 crisis

 

So, you’re stuck at home and uncertain about the future. Anxious, bored and more alone than ever. The pandemic has family and friends feeling the very same way. After all, we’re all in this together.

Everyone phones to check on everyone else, but those calls have already become repetitive with the same debates about the virus, weighing the rumours, and trying to figure out what it all means. It’s an exhausting way to spend precious time.

But imagine having an online tool that helps you rally family and friends to help you create memories to share, debate important questions, all while benefiting from the outcome. Connection at a distance… The perfect antidote for the days and weeks to come.

Let’s talk about it.

The need to connect

It can be easy to take for granted, but social connection and human comfort are integral to health, happiness and well-being. Connecting with favorite family and friends can uplift, bring joy and make being alone less, well, lonesome.

In fact, human connection is essential for optimal health. In “Connectedness & Health: The Science of Social Connection” (http://ccare.stanford.edu/uncategorized/connectedness-health-the-science-of-social-connection-infographic/), Dr. Emma Seppala states that, “Social connection improves physical health and mental and emotional well-being,” and she says it’s just as important as eating healthy, exercising and getting enough sleep. She goes on to state that, “People who feel more connected to others have lower levels of anxiety and depression.” With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing everyone to self-isolate, while at the same time increasing our worry and uncertainty, its time to get creative about the ways (and the reasons) we reach out to connect with loved ones… even though we must do so at a distance.

“Friendship…Is one of those things which gives value to survival.” 

– C.S. Lewis

Enough talk about the weather

Finding meaningful ways to connect from home can be a challenge. Sure, the internet and technology make it easy, but offering the right reason or context is the key. We all have wisdom and stories to share and pass down and learn from. Revisiting old photos and memories can bring smiles. Our love of food is another thing that brings us together when times are tight. Sharing special recipes with loved ones can warm the heart, and the belly. Or how ‘bout collaborating on a plan?

The best excuse

While building an end-of life plan in the midst of a pandemic might not sounds like the most uplifting thing, but in fact, it is the perfect fit. Check-Out Planning Services’ online platform CheckOutPlan.com makes planning a constructive and collaborative event, by design. Family and friends can play a role in the planning process and beyond. They can be involved as much as you wish.

“Friendship improves happiness, and abates misery, by doubling our joys, and dividing our grief.” 

– Cicero

Sharing is caring

For example, working on Check-Out’s Making Memories section https://checkoutplan.com/using-checkout/making-memories/ can bring joy in a time of social distancing, anxiety and uncertainty. And we all know that sharing is caring. Ask family and friends to upload photos, stories, recipes and more. Add you own photos and create a photo album that can be viewed and shared with loved ones now and can also be used in the future at your memorial to illustrate your life, adventures and passions. Together, you and your Team Members can collaborate and create a concrete plan full of direction and memories to cherish both now and in the future.

Just like a game!

Building a plan in Check-Out is like a game that allows your family and friends to play along too. Reduce the boredom and stress experienced by everyone on the team by providing tasks for them to do with your CheckOutPlan. There’s something for everyone. Beyond sending photos of key events and short stories to go along with them, you could ask them to help you write a Just-in-Case Letter, or example. No need to be a Hemmingway here as guidance is offered by thoughtful templates both here and in many places throughout the platform. Decide where you want your stuff to go and why. Decide who will be the caregiver of your pets if needed, and provide all the detail and helpful tips needed. https://checkoutplan.com/check-out-pets/

“Friendship is the only cement that will ever hold the world together.” 

– Woodrow Wilson

Playing Check-Out

The resulting “CheckOutPlan” can provide a rich and unique legacy… A part of yourself and your family history and tradition to be passed down the generations. There’s much more for loved ones to inherit than money or heirlooms. And during your time on earth, the most important thing you can share is yourself!

The first step is reaching out to family and friends and talking with them https://checkoutplan.com/using-checkout/having-the-talk/ about your new project at CheckOutPlan.com and how you’d like their involvement. Then, Build Your Team, and these trusted people can collaborate with you and offer assistance and advice as you build a plan that will work for you and your loved ones.

Keep everyone engaged

A plan like this can be as detailed as you want it to be. Someone could spend time just taking photos of the important things you want to pass on. In essence, everyone can have a role to play in your plan. Give the gift of good taste; Find out what everyone’s favorite family recipes are from the foodies in your gang and add them to the plan. Check-Out makes it easy with pre-written sections, templates and prompts.

Ok, but why now?

Besides providing a project that brings people together, the resulting package is of profound value. This type of plan gives is owner a voice both now and in the future. It is recommended that you have a current will of course, but an end-of life plan amplifies a will with the type of detail and sentiment a will doesn’t cover. It makes a statement about the depth of your caring and how committed you are ensuring that your loved ones are as prepared as they can be. Your plan lets people know what you want, how you wish to be remembered, and gives direction on the pragmatic things. Plus, when things settle down, it’s easy to update the plan anytime you like. In the case of Check-Out, it’s like a social platform with double the benefits: creating a plan for the future while being used to engage and share with loved ones today.

Leanne Leduc, BScN, RN is a nurse in British Columbia, Canada, currently working through the COVID-19 pandemic.”As an Emergency nurse in a large urban hospital, I often meet people and their families on the worst day of their life. In the most serious cases,” she states, “I really feel an end-of-life plan could better help support both the patient and their loved ones during such an emotional and difficult time.” Ms. Leduc goes on to say, “The patient has more piece of mind knowing their wishes are clear, and their friends and family will feel better prepared to organize the expected end of life obligations.” A CheckOutPlan can greatly reduce the anxiety of leaving the business of life undone in a crisis.

You control access

It’s easy to control which documents are shared and those that aren’t. CheckOutPlan is a secure site, and no one will see what you choose to keep private. Simply choose Save rather than the Add to CheckOutPlan button. As well, no one but the Team Members that you have chosen can log in and access anything. . You control what your Team Members see, like photos, stories and your Just in Case letter, etc., and they can also  download and print documents you’ve shared with them.

Put your plan to work

Once the pandemic is over, sections of your CheckOutPlan can be used at the lawyers, the accountants or insurance broker and more. If you’ve created a Pet Success Plan, use it when visiting a new vet or caregiver or just leave it on the fridge for the house-sitter to see. Since the plan is based on a one-time purchase that can also be split into monthly payments, it’s easy to update as needed.

In conclusion

Engaging family and friends in the pursuit of a unique legacy could be the perfect antidote for what ails us right now. It is a way to connect everyone in your circle through their love of good times, great food, and YOU! It’s about sharing yourself, making new memories…and leaving nothing to chance. It’s about taking control, but also delegating, so your wishes are carried out by the best people on your Team if the time comes.

The COVID-19 crisis currently dominates most aspects of our lives and, it can feel overwhelming. As we adjust to this strange new normal, now is the perfect time to take stock and consider how you want to share the legacy of your life. Check-Out can be played just like a game. This one can connect family, strengthen relationships and create some fresh joy. It might just be the best $200 you’ll ever spend.

 

As you stay inside and do your part to flatten the curve, CheckOutPlan.com is here for you. So, relax, get cozy and comfortable and get started on your plan today. Stay connected and entertained, while checking off one of the most important items on your to-do list. This is how we do relationships in the time of coronavirus. Stay home, stay safe, stay connected.

Get started on one of the most important plans you’ll ever make and visit CheckOutPlan.com today for a free trial today. Email us at mail to:[email protected]  and we’ll send you access for a free month..