While seven in ten (69%) people say the topic is generally avoided, most (85%) feel comfortable discussing death and dying, according to a study by AARP. But are they open to planning for the future, especially as senior citizens? Making end of life decisions can feel overwhelming.
However, having a plan gives you and your loved ones peace of mind. In this guide, you’ll learn simple steps to ensure your wishes are clear and followed when the time comes. Read on for more insights.
Create a Living Will
A living will lets you decide what medical treatments you want if you cannot speak for yourself. This includes choices about senior living, life support, resuscitation, and organ donation. Here are some of the important things to include in a living will:
- If you want machines to keep you alive, like a ventilator or feeding tube
- Whether doctors should try to restart your heart if it stops
- How you want to be kept comfortable and free from pain
- If you want to donate your organs to help others
Having a living will makes things easier for your family because they will know what you want. Review and update the advance directives regularly to ensure they stay up to date. Also, ensure it follows your state’s laws.
Assign a Healthcare Proxy
A healthcare proxy is an individual you choose to make medical decisions if you cannot. The person should understand your wishes and be able to speak on your behalf. As such, picking someone responsible is very important.
Talk to your healthcare proxy about what you want. Give the individual a copy of your living will and other medical instructions. Make sure they feel comfortable making decisions for you.
You need to fill out legal paperwork to make it official. Review your choice from time to time in case things change. If your proxy can no longer do the job, choose someone else.
Set Up a Durable Power of Attorney
Through a durable power of attorney, you’ll choose someone to handle your money if you cannot. They can pay bills, manage accounts, and make legal choices for you. Picking a trusted person will help keep your finances safe.
The document must include special wording to stay valid if you become unable to make decisions. Every state has its own rules, so it is important to check the requirements. In Florida, the form must be signed by you, two witnesses, and a notary.
The document helps avoid legal problems and delays when handling your money. Without it, your family may have to go to court to get permission. Having it in place gives you and your loved ones peace of mind.
Regularly review the power of attorney as required to ensure it still works. If your chosen person can no longer help, pick a new one. Talk to them about their role to help prevent confusion in the future.
Write a Will or Trust
A will or trust helps decide what happens to your money and belongings after you pass away. In particular, a will names someone to handle your estate and ensure your wishes are followed. A trust also does this, but it allows assets to go directly to loved ones without legal delays.
Many people feel unsure about estate planning. A recent federal report found that 55% of adults aren’t comfortable managing their investments. Because of this, some may struggle with setting up a trust, even though it can make things easier for their family.
Without a will or trust, the state can decide who gets what, which may not be what you want. It is important to update your will or trust as your life changes. If you have new family members or different financial needs, make updates as needed.
Discuss Funeral and Burial Wishes
Planning your funeral in advance helps your family during a difficult time. But how do you go about it? Here are the things to consider when making funeral plans:
- Whether you want to be buried, cremated, or have another type of service
- Any special requests for music, readings, or religious traditions
- Paying for funeral costs ahead of time to reduce financial stress
- Letting your family know where to find your plans when needed
Planning ahead gives you control over how your final arrangements will be handled. Let your family know about your wishes so everyone feels prepared. You should also keep a written record to ensure your choices are followed.
Review and Organize Important Documents
Having all important documents organized in one location makes senior living planning much simpler for your family members. These include your will, power of attorney, medical instructions, and financial records. Make sure someone you trust knows where to find them.
You should keep both paper and digital copies of these documents. Safe storage options include a locked safe, a safety deposit box, or an online file. Checking your documents regularly helps keep them up to date.
Have Open Conversations With Loved Ones
Talking about your plans with your family on hospice care, among other end-of-life programs, helps them understand your wishes. It also ensures they are ready to support your choices when the time comes. These conversations can prevent confusion or disagreements later.
Be open and honest about what you want. Let your loved ones ask questions and share their thoughts. Talking things through can help everyone feel more comfortable with your decisions.
Revisiting these discussions over time is a good idea. Life changes, and your plans may need updates. Keeping your family informed helps them feel prepared and reassured.
Take Control of Your End of Life Decisions Today
Planning your end of life decisions now helps ensure your wishes are respected and makes things easier for your loved ones. Take these simple steps to reduce confusion and stress in the future. Start your senior healthcare planning today so you can feel confident about your choices.
The Capstone at Royal Palm can support you in making end-of-life decisions that reflect your wishes. Our Royal Palm Beach assisted living and SHINE® Memory Care community provides a caring and comfortable environment. Book a private tour of our community to see how we can help.