The Importance of the End-of-Life Conversation with Your Loved Ones

It is common to hesitate about having the end of life conversation with your loved ones. This topic tends to be upsetting, uncomfortable and one that we try to avoid. Although, the fact of the matter is that death is inevitable and the conversation should be one that is necessary to ensure our loved ones know what our wishes are and how the events of your celebration of life should take place.

The Purpose of the End-of-Life Conversation

Discussing your wishes that lead to the end of your life and talking about what you wish to happen after you die, allows you to rest assured knowing that your loved ones are aware of how you want to be remembered.  By making your wishes known to your loved ones or to one specific person you wish to confide in, you are preventing decisions having to be made during a stressful time and especially during a time of grieving.

Sparing Your Loved Ones

In the final days before the end of your life, or after you have died, your family and loved ones are experiencing pain and grief.  If you unexpectedly become terminally ill, or there is an accident, your loved ones may never get the chance to go over your wishes at all.  By taking your loved ones aside to have this conversation in advance you can make your wishes and desires known in peace.  When it comes time for your funeral service to be arranged, your family will be able to plan accordingly and have a peace of mind that you are being laid to rest the way you intended.  This will help to avoid prolonging their grieving process.

Topics to Cover

End of Life Wishes:  These decisions are based on your final days such as, who will spend your final hours with you and where. This is also the step that covers if you will be donating your organs and specifying your wishes regarding life support and what actions your family should take at that time.

Life Celebration: This topic covers all the details involved with your funeral service. The following are included:

• Burial or Cremation
• Final Resting place (Grave plot or Scattering ashes)
• Funeral Service Details (Music, Flowers, Speakers, Prayers…etc.)
• Private or Public ceremony

When you decide the right time to have the End-of-Life conversation with your family and loved ones, remember to assure them that you decided upon this decision because you want them to know what it is you want.  It is beneficial to both them and you because now they have a clear direction and you have a peace of mind.  If you have any questions regarding how to go about the conversation or want to discuss this topic further, feel free to contact, Arbutus Funeral Service, here.