Planning for death can be a trying process but a necessary one. Even if they’re in good health, older adults should make sure that they have all their bases covered in case they do pass unexpectedly or are in a medical condition where they cannot vocalize their needs. Helping seniors take care of their paperwork will inevitably give both them and their loved ones peace of mind.
Steps to Take
End-of-life preparation is a process that will vary depending on each senior’s individual circumstances and needs. However, some essential steps should be taken.
Determine a Power of Attorney (POA)
Power of attorney is a status that enables someone else to make legal decisions on behalf of the senior in the event that they pass or are suffering from health issues that render them unable to make decisions for themselves. Granting a trusted individual the power of attorney is vital to resolving any conflicts or crucial decisions around the end of the senior’s life. Many times, seniors grant family members power of attorney, but this varies.
Write a Living Will (Advanced Directive)
In the event that someone is unconscious or in a condition that prevents them from being physically or mentally able to make decisions, a living will can come in handy. Living wills are sets of directives that enable a person to dictate what medical procedures they would prefer at the end of their life, such as instructions for pain relief, usage of resuscitation, and ventilators. In many cases, people also appoint a medical power of attorney, which helps account for scenarios that were not indicated on the living will or that are medical best practices.
Write a Will
No matter when someone might expect to pass, a will is important. If someone doesn’t see their death coming, having a will prepared in advance can avoid many potential disputes afterward. Seeking a lawyer’s advice can be helpful when writing a will, but it is not legally necessary. Most importantly, an individual must designate beneficiaries, an executor for the will, and a guardian for any dependents. Making sure that the senior discusses the will with the POA and executor will prevent any misunderstandings.
Sort out Finances
Any debts, finances, bills, or insurance should all be sorted out. Consulting a lawyer can help in this regard, but besides that, letting family members know about life insurance and other potential financial policies like retirement plans will ensure that they’re the recipients of the funds. Funerals can also get expensive, so setting aside money and/or making advance arrangements can be helpful and alleviate any additional stress loved ones might feel.
Let loved ones know
Initiating a conversation with loved ones about an older adult’s needs and wants is important for all parties. Topics like cremation vs. burial should be communicated to loved ones to give some peace of mind. Matters of the will and any documentation should also be provided to help loved ones sort any logistical concerns out afterward.
How to Open the Conversation
A conversation about end-of-life preparation can be challenging to initiate and to receive. However, with anything, communication is key. An open and honest discussion will ease the anxiety of both parties and clarify the needs of the senior. Helping seniors follow these guidelines will make the conversation easier.
- Be engaged and open: The senior and their loved ones should be fully engaged in the conversation. Often, family members will understandably be afraid and emotional, even if the senior has come to terms with their eventual death. Making sure that the conversation is engaged, open, and accommodating helps both parties feel more comfortable and will help them work through any uncertainties better.
- Clarify needs: Clarifying requests, being resolute in their wishes, and seeming sure and clear-minded will make communication easier for an older adult. For the senior, clear communication will ensure that their wishes are clear and thus more likely to be fulfilled; for the loved ones, it will help them feel calmer as they consider their own emotions and wishes.
- Be understanding: The process of communication will be difficult for both parties at times. Being patient and understanding of the complex emotions involved will help resolve any disagreements.
Ultimately, the end of one’s life can be hard to process. But, with help, it will be easier and can even be therapeutic. Making plans for a senior’s eventual death will aid in the grieving process for those left behind and give a senior peace of mind before they pass.
