Start with what the person wants to carry forward
Ask how the person wants to communicate, what they want others to know and who they trust to help. Give them time and the communication support they choose. Check preferences with them again as life changes. A past preference can help someone understand the person’s choices today.
Plan a handover before it’s needed
- When a parent dies, the person and their chosen supporters should have a way to find what was agreed and carry on the relationships and routines the person values.
- When a worker leaves, make time for introductions and check with the person which parts of their support they want to continue or change.
- When an organisation closes, agree who can receive the information the person wants to carry forward. Check that the receiving people can use it and that they know who is responsible for the next step.
- When a model or device becomes obsolete, keep an accessible, readable copy of essential information and a way to continue support without that particular tool.
Before sharing, check who has permission, what they need to know and when that permission should end. Walk through the handover with the person and the people they choose, using an example first if that helps.
Read about My Way, a proposed record that could help a person carry forward the information they choose to keep.