Death is inevitable. It is a reality and fact of life that we must learn to face. Nobody wants to talk about it much less plan for it. But there is wisdom in planning and preparing for your passing.
While the thought might be depressing and morbid, it is, in fact, an act of love. Preparing for death means you will not leave your loved ones with a burden to carry once you’ve passed. Far too many people have seen loved ones go and are left with not just emotional grief but financial and legal burdens.
7 Things People Should Do to Prepare for the Day of their Passing
According to the CIA, the crude death rate globally is at 7.7 deaths per 1,000 people. Last year alone, with the COVID-19 pandemic wreaking havoc worldwide, the number of deaths around the world reached more than 59 million. The numbers are a lot bigger because of the pandemic, but the point is, millions of people die each year.
If you truly care about your loved ones, you should be taking the necessary steps to prepare for your last day on earth.
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Spare your loved ones from hallway meetings
Don’t let your loved ones be caught in a position where they still have to figure out what to do when you’re incapacitated and on your deathbed. Too many families have had to suffer those hallway meetings trying to think things through under great pressure. Spare them from that unnecessary burden by planning it with them as early as now.
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Prepare the necessary health documents for end-of-life planning
Two health-related documents prove very helpful for end-of-life planning. The first one is a living will, also known as an advanced directive. It states the type of healthcare you want to receive while you are still alive.
The second is a power of attorney stipulating who you choose to speak and decide on your behalf, a healthcare agent or proxy if you are unable to.
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Plan for it well before it is needed
No one knows when the Grim Reaper will come knocking at your door. For this reason, make the necessary plans to ensure that your family is taken care of in your passing, especially if you are the breadwinner. Invest in a good life insurance policy and slowly work on your estate planning as soon as you can and have your will updated periodically. Draw funeral plans so that your family and relatives know exactly what you want.
Consult with a financial planner, an estate planner, and a reliable will attorney to help get you started.
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Discuss your plans with those near to your heart
When you start making plans for your final days, be sure to involve some who are close to you. In most cases, these are either your immediate family or, in their absence, a trusted friend and your primary healthcare provider. Tell them what your plans are and ask for their insight as well. Just be careful not to include everyone because this could result in stressful encounters between the involved parties. Share only to a select few within your intimate circle.
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Pre-determine what your online life will be like after you pass one
Almost everyone has some sort of online presence, some more than others. Social media has been such a huge part of our lives today that it has become one of the primary ways to connect with people. If you have social media and other important online accounts, determine what you want to happen to them and delegate the task of executing your plans to someone you trust. It might involve giving them access to certain sensitive information, of course, that’s why you need to be wise and discerning when choosing the right person for the job.
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Be creative with your end-of-life planning
As much as you want to prepare for your death, don’t let it take away from you enjoying your life while you still have it. Take that trip you’ve always wanted to take when you were younger. Do things that you can still physically do while you’re able. Even if you’re already aging and physically challenged, if you want to see the Grand Canyon one last time, go ahead and do it. Be creative and enjoy the present as much as you can.
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Don’t wait to be on your deathbed to tell people the things you want and need to say
Life is a series of choices that we make. Some bad, others good. We said things we shouldn’t have, did things we weren’t proud of. But no matter what your past is like, don’t let it hinder you from making amends and expressing your love and appreciation to those around you.
Tell them you love them. Ask for forgiveness. Release forgiveness. Let them know how much they mean to you. Tell them what you need to tell them now. Don’t wait until you’re on your deathbed before you decide to show them how much you care. You never know how much time you have.
A good person does not just provide for their families nor leave an inheritance to his or her children, he or she also makes sure that the surviving family does not have any other troubles and headaches to go along with the heartache of losing someone. It is the most loving and responsible thing anyone can do.
