Most of us simply don’t wish to think about the process of death. We’d rather spend time planning trips, seeing our friends and family, and building our investments. The truth is, while it may be difficult to be emotionally prepared for that inevitable date, we CAN prepare ourselves, and our families, for the process by ensuring that our affairs are always in order.
What is defined as a “good death” is one that honours your family’s wishes and not one that places them under unnecessary burdens. In this article, we’ll explore four essential processes to help prepare them and you for the inevitable, irrespective of your health status or age.
Consider your end of life decisions
Life is filled with uncertainty, and while we may feel healthy and active now, the far or near future may change this. You’ll need to consider eventualities as to what would happen if you were in a car crash or diagnosed with a chronic illness. Would you spend your time and energy fighting to survive? Or would you give up the fight and enjoy your final days in peace?
Thinking about and planning for your final days is essential because how you wish to spend them may not be so easily expressed if you are somehow incapacitated or unable to communicate these wishes. While most of us would prefer to pass within our environments, your family may have a different view depending on the severity of your illness. Ensure that your family knows what you want when such a time comes.
Last Will and Testaments are vital
Did you know that most adult South Africans do not have a Will in place? Death is uncertain and can strike at any age. Because of this, it’s always visible that one has a last will set in place after one turns 18.
Your wishes for what should be done about your wealth are expressed in your will after you die. It also prescribes who should take over looking after your dependents and should answer all the questions posed by the person (the executor) who will manage your estate. A last will ensure that your loved ones aren’t stranded when you’re no longer around.
Funeral planning and services
Planning a loved one’s funeral can be incredibly difficult for your family while they’re grieving. Much like your last will, a funeral and tombstone plan can help alleviate some of the stresses involved in the process.
While planning your funeral and tombstone, here are a few pointers to consider.
If you’re planning on a traditional burial, a deposit on a tombstone and a plot for your final resting place can be taken out in advance.
Get in touch with a funeral home to help organise cremation details.
Paying upfront for any funeral arrangements will help your family deal with initial finances while they wait for your inheritance to pay out.
If you have an idea for anything specific for the memorial, wake or traditional service, then now would be the time to set that straight.
Be open to your loved ones about your wishes, and take extra precautions by adding any additional wishes and details to your will.
Organise your finances
This should usually be one of your final steps. Consider that once your plans have been made, your family has access to the correct documents to execute your wishes properly. Essential documents such as life insurance, funeral, tombstone policies, and retirement plans are available.
Other essential financial records such as bills, debts and mortgage repayment schemes should all be filed and organised for easy access. This method should also be applied to your assets. However, contact a financial advisor if you have trouble getting these together.
Call us today to discuss your loved one’s burial requirements. Thabaletsi Tombstones is your preferred manufacturer of quality memorial headstones.
Contact Us:
Are you looking for a quality Tombstone? Contact us for more information – https://www.thabaletsi.co.za/contact-us/
Tel: (0)15 304 3303
Email Address: admin@thabaletsi.co.za
