End-of-life arrangements are a gift

The end of one’s life is not something many people like to focus on, however it is a topic I would encourage everyone, no matter their age, to think about. Having recently suffered the loss of my aunt, the issue arranging one’s final wishes, or the lack thereof, was brought to my attention.

It wasn’t until just weeks before my aunt’s passing that my mom discovered that her sister did not have a will, and thankfully was able to encourage her to meet with a lawyer to draw up a legal document. My aunt was in a position where she knew that she was quickly losing her battle with cancer and had time to make some arrangements, however others aren’t given that time.  Whether it be from a heart attack or stroke, car accident, or some other unforeseen occurrence, the end can come quite suddenly and unexpectedly. 

While it may not be the happiest thing in the world, it is far easier for your loved ones to be able to focus on grieving and not be burdened with making decisions for you, agonizing over whether this is how you would have wanted things to be. Even if you aren’t sure about all the details, decisions about what funeral home and/or church you would like services held at, what kind of services, cremation vs. burial, burial plots or final resting place can be of tremendous help to your family. 

Don’t forget to both document and inform a trusted relative of various passwords, banks and account numbers, location of keys (to safe deposit boxes), safe combinations, etc. Whether a loved one has passed on or are suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s, someone else knowing these things can ensure that all assets and valuables are taken care of because all the information about where keys go, and where important documents are leaves this earth with us. One suggestion is to put all these items in a safe, and giving a family member (or two) the combination to use in the event that you pass away or are incapacitated. 

The number of details that go into closing out a life, coupled with the emotional the end of life presents, making these arrangements can seem like a daunting task. You may be wondering where to begin or what questions you should be thinking about. I would encourage you to check out the websites below to help get you started.  And once you’ve put your affairs in order, remember to occasionally review the documents to ensure they still reflect your wishes and that all assets are bequeathed to living family members and friends.  Not only will this relieve some of the burden on your loved ones, but it will also ensure that your final wishes are granted.

Kristen Lesniak 

CAC Graduate Assistant

Kristen Lesniak is graduate student in the Masters of Arts in Teaching Program at the University of Indianapolis.  She is studying to become a high school Chemistry teacher.  She is currently a Graduate Assistant at the Center for Aging & Community where she is working on the Healthcare Associated Infection Initiative.