Death Care and Celebration of Life Pre-Planning:7 Steps to Ease the Burden
The end of our lives: a topic we tend to avoid and resist. You might notice friends and family, or even yourself dodging the discussion, because death generally makes people uncomfortable.
That said, we also know life is unpredictable. The burdens of stress, caregiving and grief are more than enough, without the additional strain of planning and decision-making.
Why is it important to have funeral/death care plans in place?
Eases the burden of death by providing meaningful instructions – including preparation for costs
Become familiar with the options available to you
Ensure your wishes are documented and honoured
Have your say in what could be an unpredictable journey
Taking the time and insight to reflect before making practical death care and memorial plans can inform your decisions.
Is a will enough to plan for death?
A will is certainly a piece of the planning for end of life! The purpose of a will is typically to identify who will be responsible for managing your finances and assets when you’re no longer able to, and how those are distributed amongst loved ones.
An end-of-life plan documents your choices for care prior to death; options for death care, your final resting place for your remains; and priorities for how you’d like your life to be honoured, acknowledged or celebrated.
An “end-of-life plan” encompasses more than a will and funeral arrangements, although both of these are key pieces of said plan.
How do I plan for my end of life care?
Start by identifying your priorities. Why is planning important for you? Who is the information for? Who needs to know about it?
Access our 7 Steps to Ease the Burden Workbook by requesting one through the contact us form on the website. This workbook helps you outline your:
Final care choices. Would you like to be dressed? Where would you prefer to die? Body disposition choice, such as natural burial, traditional burial, cremation or donation
Commemorative event and related options, such as quotes, pictures used, music, catering, prayer, decor, stories, locations and more
Meaningful location for your final remains resting place
What kind of budget do you need and how will it be paid for
Protect your plan by placing it in an accessible, deliberate location with your other end of life planning documents. Discuss your plan with those who need to know.
