When it comes to end of life, we all have different things we want to happen and different desires in regard to what type of medical care we wish to receive, how we want our assets divided, and what type of funeral or memorial arrangements we wish to have. By preparing for the future and planning out your final wishes ahead of time, you can better ensure that your last wishes are known and followed.
Final Wishes Checklist
A check list is extremely useful in the process of preparing for end-of-life. Creating a checklist allows you to organize your thoughts and see everything you still need to do and things you have accomplished. Things you may want to include in your checklist are specific wishes in regards to financial and legal matters, medical and health decisions, and funeral arrangements.
Financial and Legal Wishes
When it comes to last wishes for financial and legal matters, you may want to consult with a an estate plan law firm or financial advisor. However, you can still outline a variety of requests to help you start the process of planning for end of life.
You may want to write a Statement of Desires and Location of Property and Documents. Although this is not a legally binding document, it can help assist your spouse or family in gathering the information needed for your last wishes.
Things you will want to include in the Statement of Desires and Location of Property and Documents are:
- Location of your last will
- List of assets and where to find them
- List of life insurance policy and contact information for the company
- Wishes in regard to upbringing and education of minor children or care of pets
- Wishes in regard to cost for funeral and any prepaid funeral plans
Some legal documents that can also be helpful in end of life planning are a living will, living trust, and a last will and testament.
Medical and Health Wishes
When writing your medical wishes, you can include important information on what type of care you would like to receive at the hospital such as if you want life support or if you would like to fill out a do not resuscitate order (DNR). You can also choose whether or not you want to donate your organs after death.
Other information to include in your medical and health wishes are where you would like to stay if you need long term care such as a nursing community or if you would prefer to be at home. You can also name a family member to be in charge of your medical care through a medical power of attorney.
End of Life Plan & Memorial Arrangements
There are many options when it comes to what a person wants for their end of life plan. Decisions that will need to be made include what you want to happen with your body after you die and what type of memorial you wish to have.
Burial Wishes
For burial wishes, you will want to decide if you want a burial service or cremation. You can also include information about a preferred cemetery or family cemetery plot, or if there is a specific place you wish for your ashes to be scattered.
Other considerations you may have are if there are specific wishes for casket, urn, or gravestone and engravings. You can also set aside funds to cover the cost of any funeral expenses to assist family with finances ahead of time.
Memorial Service Wishes
When it comes to memorial services, there are many decisions to consider such as the type of memorial, the place it will be held at, and what you may want included in the service.
For type of memorial you can choose from a traditional funeral held at a funeral home, a memorial service, or a celebration of life. If there is any special place you wish to have the service at you can also include that information.
You can also write your final wishes for what you would like to have included in the service. If you have a particular religion that you practice then you may choose to have prayer or other rituals or scriptures included in the program. You can also include wishes on if there are any special quotes, poems, or readings that you would like to have read at the memorial.
Final Arrangements
If you have any other final wishes or requests, you will want to create a page with these final wishes in your end of life plan. You can also write a note or letters to loved ones to help carry them through their grief and say your final goodbyes.
Make sure to check your final wishes checklist periodically and update the document if there are any changes.
Celebration of Life with Eternally Loved
At Eternally Loved, our goal is to help alleviate the stress of planning a memorial service or celebration of life event so that family and friends can focus on being truly present, receive support, and honor their loved one.
Our event planner services include a complimentary consultation to determine your memorial service needs, coordination and contracting with all service providers, and staying involved throughout the entire process to ensure a successful and memorable event.
We will also consult with you to provide invitations, releases, execution of personalized theme, memorable elements, video presentation, and general coordination.
If you are planning a celebration of life service and need assistance, please contact us for more information.
Living Funeral
A living funeral or living memorial is an event that takes place before the funeral with the intention of preparing for the person’s death. It allows loved ones to express love, gratitude, and sentiments to the honoree that may have a terminal illness before they pass.
Planning for End of Life Checklist
Planning for end of life can help you ensure that your affairs are in order and your final wishes are met. An end of life checklist will include financial planning and distribution of assets, medical wishes, important legal documents, and your funeral preferences.
Eulogy
A eulogy is a speech, either written or spoken, that praises the life of someone who has died. It is usually given at a funeral or celebration of life and focuses on the life of the loved one who has passed and special memories or stories one has of them.
Non Religious Funeral Readings
Non-religious funeral readings are often chosen for a loved one who was not religious or spiritual and to provide comfort and closure to those grieving. These types of readings can reflect the person’s personality and interests — for example, if they were an avid reader or writer, then their favorite poem might be read during their funeral service.
