Few people are enthusiastic when it comes to discussing the inevitable fact of their own death. As such, it is not uncommon for important discussions regarding healthcare preferences, funeral arrangements and even asset distribution to be pushed to the back burner — sometimes until it is too late. The fact is that by engaging in some straightforward end-of-life conversations well in advance, families in Texas can actually gain real peace of mind and enjoy the remaining years of their loved ones’ lives without worry.
Essential areas of end-of-life planning
Because the topic of death is rarely an easy one to broach, it can be tempting for older individuals and those who love them to avoid the subject entirely. However, such an approach leaves way too much to chance and may result in extremely undesirable outcomes. To prevent that, it is wise for everyone to give serious advance planning attention to matters including:
- Burial vs. cremation preference
- Specific funeral wishes/pre-payment
- Healthcare directives
- Organ donation decisions
- Will and/or trust arrangements
- “Payable on death” designations for bank accounts
Tackling these topics early and revisiting prior decisions on a regular basis can go a long way to ensuring that final wishes can be fulfilled without undue stress, hassle and expense for those left behind.
Putting it all in writing
Making end-of-life wishes known to friends and family orally is one thing, but it is crucial to make certain that all such details are also reduced to writing. From deciding the music and readings to be included in a funeral service to engaging in formal estate planning strategy sessions, there really is no substitute for the feeling of calm and preparedness that this type of proactive approach will bring.
The concept of one’s own mortality tends to raise complex emotions in just about everyone. However, by taking the initiative and seizing control of what will happen when the end of life does arrive, it is possible to live the intervening years with an enviable sense of freedom and serenity.