Published by Programme B

Death is an inevitable part of life, but few of us like to think about it, let alone prepare for it. However, being prepared for the end of your life can give you and your loved ones peace of mind. Here are some steps you can take to prepare for the end of your life :

Create a plan

The first step in preparing for the end of your life is to create a plan. This plan should include decisions about your funeral, burial or cremation preferences, and any other final arrangements.

Plan your funeral

Arranging a funeral prior to death allows all aspects of the funeral process to be settled according to personal preferences and financial means (prepayment, etc.). Each state has funeral homes that offer different services and rates. Some companies offer personalized memorials, such as headstone engraving. It is therefore helpful to do some research beforehand.

Update your documents

It’s important to regularly update important documents such as insurance policies and deeds so that they accurately reflect any changes in circumstances (such as a divorce). Also, make sure that your loved ones have easy access to these documents.

Communicate your wishes

Once you have a plan, communicate it to family members, close friends or anyone else who may be involved in carrying out your wishes. Clear communication can avoid confusion or disagreement after your death.

Create a will

A will is a legal document that states how you want your assets to be distributed after your death. Without a will, your assets may be distributed according to state law rather than your own wishes. Creating a will is relatively simple and can be done with the help of an attorney or an online legal service.

Consider end-of-life healthcare options

Although we can hope for a peaceful death, death does not always come easily. Be sure to consider where and how you want to receive medical care in the event of a serious illness or end-of-life treatment decisions. A do not resuscitate (DNR) or life-sustaining treatment order (POLST) form or directive should also be considered.

Make sure your finances are in order

Ensure that someone is available to manage and access funds if needed. Give clear instructions and establish a power of attorney if necessary. When making a will, ensure that all finances, including bank accounts and investment portfolios, are mentioned so that they are not lost.

Developing advance directives and other legal documents

Advance directives provide a means of communicating personal preferences, including health care preferences such as blood transfusions, organ donation, etc. Today, the possibilities offered by advanced medical technologies have resulted in more important documents than ever for beneficiaries without disagreement about agreed-upon end-of-life choices, thus reducing stress during difficult times.

Preparing for the end of life is not a topic anyone likes to talk about. An early planning through key documents can greatly reduce the stress of brainstorming during the critical time when health issues arise, while keeping your mind healthy. If you consider these essential steps in preparing, you will be assured that all necessary steps have been taken in every way possible, allowing your loved ones to have space and emotional comfort when the time comes.