Did you know that about 90% of American adults agree that end-life discussions with their families are crucial, yet only 27% follow up with the planning? You can’t blame them! Talks about death create discomfort, and people, especially your loved ones, would rather not hear them.
Nonetheless, you can’t afford to lack an end of life plan as the consequences are quite grave. The benefits of end of life planning are undeniable. Here are five reasons you need to consider end of life planning.
Table of Contents
1. Make Your Preferences and Wishes Known
Advance care planning is the best way to notify your family of your wishes before a major health crisis. It ensures that instructions are clear, and your family won’t be stranded in case of your demise. You need to ensure clarity on all your assets and any other thing that you would want your dependents to treat or view in a particular way.
2. Improve Quality of Life
Having a clear end of life plan makes it easier for patients to discuss with their physicians about their health. The constant discussions are an excellent way for physicians to guide the patients and their caregivers. As a result, patients have a higher quality of life, attributed to the openness in planning end of life care.
3. Funeral Planning
End of life planning allows you to convey wishes you’d want fulfilled for your funeral. You can document the wishes for them to be legally binding. Discussions about cemeteries and any other way you’d love to be accorded the last respect should be a priority in your end of life planning.
Be clear on whether you want to be cremated or be buried. Outline how your family should use the ash after a cremation or any possessions you want to have buried with you. Highlight all the details about your preferred type of service.
4. Prevent Family Conflicts
If you don’t have an end of life plan, family members might disagree on the best way to handle you once you start exhibiting end of life signs. Some people don’t like the idea of being put in life machines to save their lives, which is often included in the end of life plan.
Unless you have informed your family what you expect for your end of life planning, chances of conflicts are high.
5. Avoid Probate
Recent research shows that only four in ten Americans have a living trust or a will. Given the importance of wills in estate planning, you shouldn’t miss it as part of your end of life planning as it will help you avoid probate. Going to probate is a nightmare for most people as it might delay the period taken to distribute the assets.
End of Life Planning Is Essential for All Adults
With a concise end of life plan, you’ll rest easy as you advance in age. You will have fewer worries about your kids and any other dependents. An end of life plan is the best way to highlight your wishes on the property division, your care, funeral, and other issues that you find vital to discuss.
If you’re already in your 40s, it’s not too early. Start the process of end life planning today as tomorrow is unknown.
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