By Roz Jones
Losing a loved one is never easy, and in today’s digital age, there’s a new layer of complexity to deal with—managing their social media accounts. As caregivers for aging loved ones, this responsibility might fall on your shoulders. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the process of respectfully and efficiently shutting down social media accounts on major platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn after your loved one has passed.
Step 1: Access their account. If you know their login details, log in to their Facebook account.
Step 2: Click the down arrow in the top right corner and select “Settings & Privacy.”
Step 3: Under “Settings,” choose “Memorialization Settings.”
Step 4: Click “Request memorialization of the account” and follow the on-screen instructions. You may need to provide proof of their passing.
Step 5: Facebook will review your request and, once approved, the account will be memorialized. Friends and family can still view and interact with existing content, but new friend requests will be disabled.
Step 1: Log in to your loved one’s Instagram account if you have access.
Step 2: Go to their profile.
Step 3: Click the three horizontal lines in the top right corner, then choose “Settings.”
Step 4: Scroll down and select “Privacy.”
Step 5: Under “Account,” choose “Request Verification.”
Step 6: Follow the on-screen instructions, including providing proof of their passing.
Step 7: Instagram will review your request and may memorialize the account or remove it, depending on their policies.
Step 1: Log in to your loved one’s Twitter account if you have access.
Step 2: Click the three horizontal lines in the top left corner and select “Settings and Privacy.”
Step 3: Choose “Account.”
Step 4: Scroll down and select “Deactivate your account.”
Step 5: Follow the on-screen instructions to deactivate the account.
Note: If you don’t have access to the account, you can contact Twitter’s support and request an account deactivation on behalf of a deceased family member.
Step 1: Log in to your loved one’s LinkedIn account if you have access.
Step 2: Click “Me” in the top right corner.
Step 3: Choose “Settings & Privacy.”
Step 4: Scroll down and select “Account preferences.”
Step 5: Under “Closing your LinkedIn account,” click “Closing your account.”
Step 6: Follow the on-screen instructions to close the account.
Note: If you don’t have access, you can contact LinkedIn’s support and request account closure for a deceased member.
Managing a loved one’s digital presence after their passing is a delicate but necessary task. It’s important to respect their online legacy and privacy. Each platform has its policies for handling accounts of deceased users, and following their procedures can help ensure a smooth process. Remember to gather any necessary documentation, such as a death certificate, before initiating the account closure process. While it might be a challenging process, it’s an essential part of saying goodbye in the digital age.
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As we know, June – November is Hurricane Season. As a family caregiver, there are many ways to prepare your loved ones for it. Early preparation helps reduce opportunities for stress and anxiety as storms approach.
One of the best ways to prepare is allowing your loved on to assist in packing their travel bag, checking their contact list and ensuring there are adequate emergency supplies.
Participation… not isolation… go a long way when preparing for major storms. This Seniors Storm Guide gives essential information to refer to again and again!
The Caregiver Cafe 