Conversations That Matter End of Life Planning

Conversations That Matter

Communicating End Of Life Planning Wishes

It's often difficult to think about dying, let alone talk about it. But the only way to ensure your wishes are fulfilled is to communicate your exact desires and choices with family members, physicians and clergy ahead of time. Putting your wishes in writing alleviates a tremendous burden for your loved ones. Imagine the stress and sadness your family members will endure when you become injured or ill. Now imagine the added burden of them trying to guess your end of life plans which were not previously set forth.

As the holiday season approaches, and families start to gather together, an excellent opportunity is presented for having these important conversations. The way in which you want to die is a very personal decision. Begin by thinking about your personal feelings regarding your death. Research your options. Talk with your health care provider, clergy and family, and then document your preferences. It also may help to have someone be your spokesperson and lead the conversation.

Once you have a clear picture of your wishes, share them with your family, friends and doctor. An excellent way to clearly communicate your wishes is to complete a health care directive like that which is available at www.AffairsInOrder.com. This website offers an appropriate healthcare directive for each of the 50 states in the USA.

AffairsInOrder.com also provides a web based system for gathering, organizing and storing your life’s most important information in a secure central repository which is accessible by your personal representative(s) or family member(s) in time of emergency, or should you become unable to act for yourself.

Keep in mind that even though your wishes are in writing, it may be difficult for others to understand them. That’s why it is so critical to also talk with your family. Having this conversation will lessen the pain, doubt and anxiety for your loved ones as you near death, and save much heartache and headache.

"In the best of all worlds, we would know exactly what to do when someone close dies. Our loved one would have informed us where to find instructions setting forth funeral arrangements, the location of the will and any life insurance policies, a list of all property and assets, and the name of the deceased's lawyer. Any minors would be provided for in the will. No one would challenge the authority of the Personal Representative, the person named by the deceased to make sure the terms of the will are met. Probating an estate, an often grueling court process, would be completed smoothly and quickly. In the real world, such a well-ordered process almost never occurs."
     Money Magazine 2006

Important conversations about death, dying, and end of life planning are not easy to start, and your family may resist as it is difficult to contemplate the loss of a loved one. While there is no single right way or right time to start such a conversation, AffairsInOrder.com may help you by pointing out the most important information to document, as well as alerting yourself and family to the consequences of putting off the conversation. In the end, you all will enjoy greater peace of mind.

Allan Johnson

Founder, www.AffairsInOrder.com