End-of-life planning: The final farewell

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Proactive seniors who prearrange end-of-life planning, protect their loved ones from additional stress at a difficult time.

Most seniors have a will and take other proactive steps for end-of-life planning. Surprisingly, far fewer seniors preplan their funeral arrangements. There are numerous benefits in preplanning. Seniors who make their own funeral arrangements ensure their final wishes, such as whether they want to be cremated or buried, are followed. This lifts a huge emotional burden off of their family members. 

While it is not necessary to prepay for a funeral service that is preplanned, doing so lifts a large financial worry off of loved ones. Another advantage of paying in advance, often referred to as prearranging, is that most funeral homes and cemeteries will lock in the purchase at today’s prices which guards against inflation.

One reason some seniors don’t prearrange their funerals is because they think they may eventually move. Some funeral providers offer portability of plans at no extra charge. For example, many prearranged funeral services are fully transferable and will be honored at 2,000 other providers throughout North America if the purchaser moves more than 75 miles from where the original arrangements were made. Always ask if this is possible and what limitations there may be.   

More and more people are choosing to enhance traditional funeral services with highly personalized life celebrations. Personalization can be as simple as requesting certain songs be played. Some people opt to have the procession from chapel to cemetery reflect their individuality. For example, an avid cyclist may have riding club friends escort the procession. Others want to give a special memento to guests. Many families hold catered receptions after the service to celebrate a loved one’s life.

A good first step in prearranging is to pick up a planning guide at a Dignity Memorial® or other provider.  It often includes an easy-to-use planner to record final wishes, family heritage, military history estate information and other vital end-of-life information in a single document. Seniors interested in preplanning also can get started at home with convenient on-line tools from some providers.

Proactive seniors who prearrange protect their loved ones from additional stress at a difficult time and choose the funeral arrangements they truly want for their final farewell.

Article Provided by:
Dignity Memorial
800-344-6489
www.DignityMemorial.com

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Dan Milburn

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Lyman brought me 400 copies here at SHAG’s Tri-Court, Senior Housing in Kent, WA last week. They have all been hand delivered to senior residents in Green River Court, Park Court, Meeker Court and Titus Court. They are a wonderful source of invaluable information for Seniors, Care Givers, SHAG managers, Volunteers, etc… I now believe whole-heartedly, that nobody should go without a copy. I am a former Executive Director of both Public and Indian HUD Housing, I am Human Resources Specialist – and senior resident volunteer here at SHAG, which I call home. More than a fan, I am a very grateful recipient of prompt, courteous service, and the most helpful guide to help me both plan and enjoy retirement. I do not praise lightly, and to the staff at “Retirement Connection,” I cannot praise you enough.

Simplification

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“When things are not adding up in your life-start subtracting!” ~Anonymous

As our company has grown and we have added more and more opportunities, sometimes it feels like I am spinning out of control and into space. I have been reevaluating my interactions to focus more on quality rather than quantity, because it seemed something had shifted. I want to feel productive, but purposeful. Lately, our team has focused on “doing less – better.” I encourage you to ask yourself with each activity… What value does this bring and to be mindful in your execution? -Amy

On Civic Engagement and Positive Change

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“If you hold an anti-war rally, I shall not attend. But if you hold a Pro-Peace rally invite me.” ~ Mother Teresa

In the current political climate, I felt I should pivot slightly on my monthly “Nugget.” So, here goes… If you would like to march or speak out – please do so in support of something – in support of a better America, in support of LGBT rights, in support of women’s rights, in support of healthcare rights, in support of minority rights, but please do NOT march against something. Be pro peace, pro diversity, pro equality, but be FOR something positive and not just AGAINST what you do not like.

Achievement

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“The harder you work for something, the greater you’ll feel when you achieve it.”

I found that my feeling of reward is very closely tied to my effort. Sometimes I don’t always appreciate a “big” win that was easier than expected. I see the same in my children. Hard works makes the reward more meaningful and valuable.
~ Amy Schmidt

Jessica McCluskey

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I’ve recently made a move to Southern California, and can’t tell you how many times I go to reach for your resource guide and realize I’m not in Portland anymore. When I was working as a Director of Marketing in the NW, I was able to help relieve multiple families of the feeling of being overwhelmed and anxious by introducing them to Retirement Connection. It is so user friendly, organized, and thinks of everything one might need when making a transition as an aging adult. Lastly, I am going to miss the fabulous events that your team puts on, and what great networking opportunities it provided. Thank you for all that you do and please come to California 🙂

Kerri Trapp

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Hello Friends! Just letting you know that your on-line access has been wonderful. Easy to access – a great help when we’re working with families out of the area! Appreciate the hard work getting elder law attorneys and other folks added to your list of sponsors. Very much appreciated.

Gratitude

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“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” – John F. Kennedy

Sometimes I fall short in expressing gratitude to those I appreciate. I think I show it, but I know that I do not say the words often enough. Recently, I was reminded that actions are great, but so are words of gratitude. Doing something thoughtful is great, but it can be so much more powerful, if I took a few extra moments to say “why” and “how” someone has made an impact.
~ Amy Schmidt