When a loved one is at the end of their life, you may start planning for the arrangements that come after. By preparing, you can avoid a stressful accumulation of different tasks and challenges, such as funeral arrangements and handling their finances. Below is more information about what you should prioritize handling.

A Guide to Funeral Arrangements in the Last Chapter of Life

1. Ensure There’s a Will

You should check that your relative has a will and that it has the proper certification. If they do not, you can bring in a lawyer to allow your loved one to feel like they’re settling their affairs. Additionally, it can eliminate the potential for fights over the estate and belongings in the future. 

2. Consider a Health Care Directive

As your loved one approaches their last months, you should establish a health care directive or living will. The goal of these documents is to instruct the doctors on how to handle your loved one’s end-of-life care. For example, they’ll determine whether or not your loved one wants a “do not resuscitate” (DNR) order if they go into cardiac arrest. Some individuals decide that the trauma or type of resuscitation is not worth it. 

3. Prepare an Obituary

Another step to take is to start writing an obituary. It may seem odd to do before your loved one passes away, but there’s value in having one ready. Funerals happen promptly after death, and you must get the obituary to a newspaper quickly for them to publish it in time. You can also ask your loved one if there is anything special they want to mention in the obituary, giving them more choice and closure in how people remember them.

4. Discuss Funeral Preferences

Though it may be an unusual conversation, you should discuss what type of funeral your loved one may want. By understanding their preferences, you can deliver it when you need to make the funeral arrangements. Perhaps they’d like someone to read a particular poem or play a song. This ensures they have a hand in how the ceremony happens. 

If you need help with funeral arrangements, reach out to a trusted family-owned funeral home like Henderson-VanAtta-Stickle Funeral & Cremation Service in Newark, OH. Serving the community for over 100 years, they can help with everything from the choice of casket to the funeral service. To speak to the caring staff, call (740) 345-9864. Learn more about the funeral home by visiting the website.