Why You Need to Plan
Having a conversation about what care you wish to receive in your final months of life, and what you want to happen after you’ve passed away can be extremely difficult. However, the benefits of this conversation certainly outweigh the difficulty in having it.
Without having this discussion, you run the risk of leaving your close family members with the weight of many difficult decisions, and guessing how you would wish for things to be done. Formally planning for your death can avoid all sorts of heartache and difficulties down the road.
What Needs Planning
The Will
Approximately 60% of people do not have a will in place when they die. There is a specific legal process in place when this happens, but sometimes (although rare) this can cause disputes amongst family members. Ensure you speak to a solicitor and draft a will together that reflects your wishes. In this will, it is advisable you list your executor(s) – the person responsible for managing your estate and ensuring it’s shared amongst your listed family members and friends.
Administrative Tasks
There are a number of tasks you could carry out which would help your family after your passing. This could include listing all your assets (including possessions such as antiques) and giving an approximate valuation, listing all of your debts, listing bank accounts and investments, sending copies of your will to your estate administrator and solicitor, etc.
Organ Donation
Decide if you wish to donate any of your organs or tissue after your death. If you do decide to donate and you haven’t already registered, you can register by following the instructions here:
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Organ-donation/Pages/Donationprocess.aspx
In most circumstances, having a medical condition does not prevent someone from becoming an organ or tissue donor, although there are some exceptions.
Your Care at the End of Life
It’s a difficult conversation to have, but by planning ahead, you avoid your family having to make difficult decisions later on. It is worth talking about where you would like to die, what care you want to receive and how much medical intervention you would prefer if you need it – such as resuscitation, etc. You may need to use legal documents to do this and appoint a lasting power of attorney, who can make decisions on your behalf if you’re not able to. Seek the advice of a solicitor to assist you with this.
Plan your Funeral
Plan how you would like your funeral to be, would you like a religious or non-religious ceremony, would you prefer to be buried or cremated. What music and hymns or readings would you like? Have this conversation with a loved one, so they know exactly what to do in the event of your death.
