Advance Planning Deathcare and other End of Life Memorials around the Holidays
Nobody enjoys discussing mortality, especially during the holiday season when the atmosphere is meant to be joyful. However, it is crucial to have open and honest conversations with your family members about end-of-life matters. The holiday season provides a unique opportunity for these discussions as the entire family is usually together.
Have you ever considered what your parents’ wishes are for their funeral or memorial service? Do you fully understand their desires regarding their estate? Similarly, have you thought about what plans you would leave behind for your own children if something were to happen to you?
Many families tend to neglect or ignore end-of-life preparations, but simply initiating a conversation can bring clarity and even encouragement. This holiday season, we encourage you to have “The Talk” with your family members. It doesn’t mean you have to resolve all the issues right away, but it does mean starting the conversation and encouraging everyone to think sensitively and strategically about these important matters.
We offer these helpful tips and guidelines for initiating this conversation and keeping it positive and productive. Consider a few key points:
– Choose a suitable time and comfortable place when having “The Talk.”
– Ask questions about your parents or aging family members, allowing them to share their stories and express what matters most to them.
– Remember to approach the conversation collaboratively and with an open mind. Your loved ones may have different beliefs, but the goal is to learn from each other, not to judge.
– Offer assistance to your aging family members, whether it’s in planning, organizing, cleaning their home, or any other support they may need.
– Involve everyone who should be part of the conversation, including siblings and other family members.
– Be patient and understanding. Some individuals may need time before they feel ready to discuss end-of-life matters seriously.
By initiating these conversations, you can ensure that everyone’s wishes and desires are known and respected. It may not be an easy topic to discuss, but it is an essential one.