End of life planning is essential because it ensures your wishes are respected and followed when you are no longer able to communicate them. By planning ahead, you take control of the future, making critical decisions about your healthcare, finances, and personal matters. This preparation prevents uncertainty and confusion during difficult times and offers clear instructions to those who will assist you in handling your affairs.
I started thinking about end of life planning when I bought the pre-planned funeral package from Nirvana. I was thinking that even if I could just spell out a few areas, that would be sufficient for my next of kin to execute my wishes accordingly. I recall when my late mum was telling me about her wishes when she was gone, I often told her not to talk about such things. It was sort of like telling me that she is going to pass away soon – hence she is letting me know her wishes. It was depressing for me, as I loved her so much. When she passed away, I appreciated that she sort of ‘forced’ me to listen to her final wishes even though I repeated told her “don’t talk about it, and everything will be okay”. Mum knew that it would be difficult for me and the family, so she tried to cushion the impact by preparing us for it. As with all mums, their thoughts are always for their children first.
It is a difficult topic to bring up to your loved ones. Verbal messages can also be lost and misunderstood. To spare everyone the distress, it is so much easier to put it down in writing – in a book or in a piece of document that can be kept safely alongside your other important documents.
Peace of Mind for You and Your Loved Ones
To me, an end of life plan is not for you. It is actually for your loved ones. Leaving them to make decisions for you when you are not able to is difficult. To spare everyone the uneasiness, put everything down in writing. If any of the untoward happens to you, your loved ones can refer to your wishes in writing. It can reduce stress and potential conflicts during a difficult period.
Get the Free End of Life Planner (101 Pages in PDF)
To help you with this important task, I have created a free 101-pages End of Life Planner that you can download and print for personal use. This planner is designed to guide you step-by-step through the process of documenting your wishes. It covers everything from making a will and setting up a power of attorney to outlining your healthcare preferences and final arrangements. By filling out this planner, you can ensure all your important decisions are recorded in one place, making it easier for your loved ones to carry out your wishes exactly as you intended. Download your free copy of End-of-Life Planner (the link at the bottom of the article) and take the first step towards peace of mind for you and your family.
Do remember that this is not a legal document, so you will still need to get your professional will written and other legal matters properly done where required.
7 Key Areas Your End of Life Planning Should Include
#1 Your Will
A will is a legal document that spells out how you want your assets and belongings to be distributed after you pass away. It ensures that your wishes are followed and can prevent disputes among your loved ones. A will can also name a guardian for your minor children and specify your funeral wishes.
#2 Choosing a Power of Attorney
A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that grants someone you trust the authority to make decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so. Choosing the right person is crucial, so make sure they are trustworthy, competent, accessible and understand your values and wishes.
#3 Healthcare Directive
A healthcare directive, also known as an advance directive, is a legal document that outlines your preferences for medical care if you become unable to communicate your decisions. It includes instructions on treatments you do or do not want, helping to ensure your healthcare wishes are respected. Write down your preference for treatments like life support, resuscitation, and pain management. Be as specific as possible to avoid any confusion or doubts. Make your family members know your wishes and have access to your healthcare directive. Periodically review them to make sure that it still reflects your current wishes, especially with any major life changes.
#4 Final Farewell Plans
For some it is a taboo to discuss future funeral plans, so it is up to individual preferences. Pre-planning your funeral is one of the best gifts for the loved ones you leave behind. Spare them the headache and heartache when the eventual happens. Depending on your religion and faith, you may be able to purchase funeral packages and final resting place (columbarium, burial plot, ancestral tablet) in advance such as those from Nirvana Life Planning. Write down all your preferences in a clear and detailed manner. Share it with your family and close friends so that they are aware of your wishes. This is a part of end of life planning that is often overlooked or skipped over, hence do spend time thinking about this area.
#5 Money Matters
If you have life insurance policies, make sure you write it down in your End-of-Life Planner. Review your policies and beneficiaries periodically, especially with major life changes. When you pass away, your debts don’t just disappear. Outstanding mortgages without MRTA or MLTA will mean that your co-signer will be responsible for continuing repayments. Your estate will also need to pay off your outstanding credit card debts. Vehicles that are not settled will be repossessed if the debts are not settled. Your retirement plans are also part of this. Make sure you have all these thought out to prevent your loved ones from having to handle your debts after your passing. Always seek professional advice from certified insurance agents and wealth planners for all money matters.
#6 Leaving a Legacy
Pen down personal letters to your loved ones, sharing your thoughts and memories and wishes for their future. These can be cherished keepsakes. You can also compile photos, mementos and stories in scrapbooks or digital albums detailing your life experiences as a hand-me-down heirloom. I found a cool fill-me-up book from Amazon where you can write down your stories to be handed down to your loved ones.
#7 Having the Conversation with Your Loved Ones
It can be a very awkward conversation for some, and dreaded even. But it is a very important conversation to have when you are alive and well. Approach the conversation with honesty and transparency and share your plans. Make sure that your loved ones know where you keep all your important documents included in your end of life planning. Regularly update them and keep them accessible to your designated loved ones.
Take the first step, even if it just a small step in planning
End of life planning might seem daunting, but it is one of the most thoughtful and loving things you can do for yourself and your loved ones. By starting today, you can take control of your future and ensure that your wishes are known and respected.
To help you get started, I created a free End of Life Planner that you can easily download and print. This planner is designed to guide you step-by-step through the process of documenting your wishes and organizing important information. It is user-friendly and covers the essential aspects of end of life planning.
The hardest part is often taking that first step, but once you begin, you will find that end of life planning can bring a sense of peace and fulfillment. Remember, the act of planning is not just about preparing for the inevitable—it is about living with the assurance that you have thoughtfully prepared for your loved ones’ future.
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