‘Healthy Aging’ is the new buzzword. WHO defines ‘healthy aging’ as maintaining functional ability and enabling well-being in older age. The United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021-2030), a global initiative, for the last ten years of sustainable development goals for improving the lives of older people, their families, and the community. The above events illustrate the growing importance of health for aging.
However, preparing for end-of-life planning doesn’t begin in the final days of life but instead requires planning. End-of-life care is an inevitable part of estate planning. According to Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 90% of people consider discussing end-of-planning care with loved ones crucial, but only 27% of people have done so. Why is End-of-life planning essential?
The article explains the significance of end-of-life planning and the essential steps to prepare for end-of-life care.
What Is End Of Life Planning?
End-of-life planning involves making decisions and planning your end-of-life decisions and making your preferences known to your loved ones. Preparing for end of life planning involves making crucial decisions regarding health, finance, medical, and property. End-of-life planning, also known as advance care planning, is a significant part of estate planning but often the most neglected one.
Whether an individual is enduring a terminal illness or a severe injury, end-of-planning makes your loved ones aware of your last wishes. How can one prepare for end-of-life planning? Generally, advance care planning is done through a healthcare professional or proxy. However, in certain circumstances, an individual may require legal help.
What does End-of Planning include?
- Last wishes
- Healthcare preferences(regarding life-support or organ donation)
- Will and Trust
- Health Care proxy Instructions
- Funeral plan and arrangements
- End-of-Life House Arrangements
- Instructions for pet care
- Instructions regarding Digital Assets
Why Is End Of Life Planning Important?
- The ebbs and flows of life are unpredictable. Can you foresee them? There is no golden rule book to predict your life. “Change is the only constant.” But, you can always plan ahead of time to adapt to the most inherent nature of life – change.
In the face of the throes of life, end-of-life planning is a soothing aide that alleviates the pain.
The following are the reasons why you should have an end-of-life plan in place:
- Make your wishes official
- Inform your loved ones about your medical preferences.
- To plan for severe illnesses
- Reduce the burden on loved ones.
- Secure your digital legacy
How We Can Improve The End Of Life Planning Conversation?
- 1. Choose the right time to talk
- 2. Initiate your conversation with an anecdote.
- 3. Introduce the “contrul” angle.
- 4. Expect multiple rounds of talks.
- 5. Respect their thoughts
End Of Life Planning Checklist
- Will and Testament
- Revocable Living Trust
- Living Will
- Power of Attorney
- Organ/Tissue Donation Card
- 2. List of Assets/ Liabilities
- Bank Accounts/Safe Deposit Box
- Investment Accounts/ Stocks/Bonds
- Cash
- Life Insurance Policies
- Pension / Retirement Plans
- Real Estate/Mortgages
- Credit Cards
- Outstanding Loans
- Online Accounts
- 3. Complete list of people to contact
- Beneficiaries in your Will
- Trustee
- Close Friends
- Colleagues
- Beneficiaries of IRA, Annuity, Life Insurance, and Other.
- Attorney
- 4. Specify Funeral Arrangements
- Home Funerals
- Traditional Service
- Memorial Service
- Celebration of Life
- Full-Service Cremation
- Scattering of Ashes Ceremony
- Direct Burial
- 5. Create an obituary notice or death notice.
End-of-life planning questionnaire
Planning your end-of-life eases the burden on your loved ones and yourself. The following are a few questions for creating the ultimate end of life planning questionnaire:
Family
- Who should be notified of your death?
- Do you have minor children, and have you chosen a guardian?
- Do you have children with special needs?
Estate
- Is your Will up-to-date?
- Have you appointed an executor or an estate planning lawyer?
- Do you have a living will to avoid probate?
Finance
- Do you have an up-to-date list of assets and debts?
- Have you appointed a durable power of attorney to manage your finances on your behalf?
- Do your beneficiaries have the documents they need to claim the benefits?
Healthcare
- Whom would you appoint as a healthcare proxy to speak on your behalf when incapacitated?
- What are your healthcare preferences in end-of-life care treatment?
- Would you prefer resuscitation if you stopped breathing?
- Do you prefer a home, hospital, or hospice facility at the end of your life?
Funeral Arrangements
- Would you prefer a burial or cremation ceremony?
- Do you have a legacy to pass on to your future generations
The Bottom Line
Preparing for end-of-life involves different aspects, right from discussion to documenting your finding your wishes. End-of-life planning can be complex initially, but planning ahead of time has several benefits, from informing your loved ones and healthcare professionals to receiving the appropriate treatment in time.
Wills and trusts are essential estate planning instruments that help specify your final wishes regarding advance care. Above all, end-of-planning is the ultimate gift to you and your loved ones.
We at Clocr help you create your Last Will, an essential estate planning tool that helps document your final wishes. A last will helps you specify your assets’ disposition, mention the beneficiaries and appoint an executor. Clocr’s digital estate services help to organize and secure your online accounts. Also, you can appoint an executor to manage your digital estate. So, to create and secure your legacy, Join Clocr today
