We spend our lives planning for events, such as birthdays, engagements, marriages and births. However, there is one thing we know for sure. Life cannot exist without death. Later life, end of life, death and post-death are topics that we shy away from, even though they are the only guaranteed events of life.
Incredibly, every living person is unique. Not just their finger print, but how they live their lives. As we reach and celebrate life’s milestones, we plan ahead for the next one, imaging how our lives will change and planning to make sure we have what we need and want. Being prepared allows us to be in control and having a plan for the future brings peace of mind. Every day we make choices, often subconsciously, based on our individuality.
When people think of planning for death, they often relate it to writing a will… and then, only when they feel they have something worth leaving. This puts great emphasis on our monetary value, yet we are worth much more than our assets, and when it comes to end of life, money is not the main focus. Planning Ahead of Time gives us the opportunity to organise documents that have the power to protect us and our families when we need it the most. Lasting Power of Attorneys (LPA), advanced decisions, expression of wishes, wills, trusts, digital asset instructions, funeral plans… and don’t forget pet provisions.
When people are told of a life-limiting condition or given a terminal diagnosis, they often start planning. Why? Because they want to help their loved ones cope with the changing circumstances. Making plans for their care, ensuring people know what they want, disclosing passwords, organising documents, giving financial details, leaving instructions for personal items and planning funeral celebrations is normal practice for taking control of the situation to create peace of mind. When all is said and done, we want to make our own choices until our last breath, and beyond.
It is becoming more commonplace to make plans without an end in sight, because life is not promised. Don’t plan through the pain of a terminal diagnosis, plan through the positivity of life. It is never too early to gather some information, make some choices and support the people you love. But it can be too late.
Dayle Adams
