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Taking control: Deciding how you and your legacy will be cared for
Many of us are aware of the somber aspects of mortality, but we’re not aware of the remarkable people, tributes, and care that go into honoring the departed. By learning about end-of-life services and legacies, you’ll find that there can be a sacred, nurturing aspect to one’s final rest.
To begin, start by meeting deathcare workers. All of us will require their services eventually, so it makes sense to learn about who will help you and your family one day.
Though they operate behind the scenes, deathcare workers are true community caretakers who serve the dead and dying and support the bereaved.
This field can include healthcare and cemetery/funeral professionals, grief experts, and end-of-life doulas. When you visit these providers, you can learn from their stories, ask for advice on preparing for the final chapter, and develop an idea of what you’ll want for the future.
Here are a few examples of how that can work.
Hospices – Schedule a visit with a hospice facility to meet healthcare professionals and learn about hospice care. Don’t be afraid to ask questions; this is the perfect time to learn how the staff cares for patients and how the body prepares for its rest. You’ll have a lot to think about when you leave; to ensure your wishes will be followed in a medical setting, do your research on advance directives, and consult with an attorney.
Funeral homes – Meet funeral teams to see how they take pride in caring for the departed and their families. Ask staff members how they ensure loved ones are left with a beautiful final memory of the departed.
Cemeteries – Explore the grounds and learn about its occupants by reading markers and monuments. See the sentimental, unique, or even fun ways people ensure their personality shines through words, photos, and art. Ask the Park Services team about the interesting aspects of their work.
Knowing that you and your loved ones will be placed into caring hands is a great privilege. To write your final chapter and help your family with final arrangements, you’ll need to make funeral/cemetery plans in advance. Check out a Memorial Planning location near you to visit your local funeral home or cemetery.
Many deathcare professionals have interesting advice on how they face mortality day after day, so be prepared for an emotional and enlightening experience.
Leave a legacy
Some hope their memory will live on through good deeds and their family, friends, and neighbors. They can do this by inspiring others in generous ways, such as:
These can be unique ways to leave a legacy in the community.
To establish a more personalized legacy, people may distribute assets to their children or develop a private memorial estate.
Estate planning
Families often leave assets, treasured items, or family heirlooms to their loved ones in following with the common saying that, “You can’t take it with you when you’re gone.”
They also may establish a trust to ensure their loved ones will be financially secure for years to come.
When deciding how to distribute your assets, it’s best to write a Will and consult with an estate planning attorney.
A private memorial estate
Planning cemetery and funeral wishes ahead of time is a powerful way to shape what others will see, remember, and experience after you have passed on. Ask yourself:
Will guests smile when they hear my playlist at the funeral?
Will my loved ones be laid to rest with me when the time comes?
Will friends and future generations have a memorial place to visit?
You can decide how loved ones remember you as they honor your story in the days and years to come.
Whether you’re enshrining your achievements in the community or preparing a tribute for your loved ones, planning for end-of-life is a courageous way to face the thought of death.
One reason that many fear death is because it is out of our control. So, when you consider your legacy, you’re thinking about what you can control: your living memory.
As we conclude this series, think about how you felt about death and dying before embarking on the journey of death acceptance. How do you feel after speaking with others, making the most of your days, and exploring end-of-life topics?
Are you more open to discussing death? Have your fears, anxieties, or concerns lessened?
Picturing a world without yourself or a loved one will always be difficult – but by embracing reality and treating everyday as a gift, you can take charge of your destiny and live a life that is full of meaning.
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