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Planning for death (medium and long-term)


 

Supporting someone approaching the end-of-life requires helping them plan for the many practical arrangements that may be needed before death. These include medical decisions, financial and funeral arrangements. This module is designed to assist you in identifying which aspects you may wish to address with them and how:

  • Future medical care: what can be decided in advance and how to proceed in accordance with national legislation.
  • Will and estate planning: making a will and deciding how to divide property.
  • Rites of farewell: leaving instructions in relation to rites of farewell.
  • Life story and memories: leaving evidence of personal heritage, life stories, and memories. How to uncover and collect them.

Discussing these issues before death may be challenging, and people might prefer to avoid such thoughts. However, open communication and shared decision-making can enable a more peaceful death that respects personal dignity while relieving emotional and logistical burdens.

Planning of future funeral rites and last wishes

Funerals and farewell rites are public, traditional, and symbolic ceremonies for expressing our beliefs, thoughts, and feelings about death. They are also ways of coping with loss.  

Preparing for one’s own funeral might be an opportunity to celebrate your own life in the way you wish. It can bring peace of mind knowing that for example the organisational and/or financial burden of a burial or cremation is not left to family and friends. It will also help them to honour your life while full of sorrow. 

Think ahead about any important wishes for both for those who are leaving and for those who are left behind and consider discussing them with your nearest. Give them the opportunity to express their own thoughts on how to say farewell as a part of their grieving process.  

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