How To Talk To Your Loved One's About Your Final Wishes

While virtually everybody agrees on the critical nature of revealing one's ultimate wishes, only approximately 1 in 5 individuals will ever communicate with their loved ones. After completing your last wishes document, we at Tindall Funeral Home believe that you should also plan to speak with those you care about.

Things To Consider

These are some of the things to consider:

• Decide who you want to be a part of the dialogue. It should typically be the person or persons in whom you have the most faith and who will carry out your desires when the time comes. This person can be a spouse, child, sibling, or good friend for many.
   
• Prepare something in advance. We encourage that you bring the papers with you when you meet with your family to share them. During this time, address practicalities, such as keeping the paperwork, setting aside any money, or purchasing an insurance policy.
   
• When you express your last wishes is entirely up to you. Our first advice is that you avoid procrastinating, which is incredibly simple to do. Perhaps there will never be a "perfect" moment.
   
• Select a moment when all your loved ones are present, but not at the expense of a celebration. Always go with your instincts, and when the time is right to talk, you will recognize it. Work through this approach so that you will not burden your family with deciding what you'd have wanted after your death.
   
• Before delving into the specifics, ask your family whether they are okay with the idea of a discussion. If your loved ones are unwilling to do so, you should respect their wishes and allow them some time. They may want to reach out to you again later, but forcing them will likely result in a fruitless interaction.

Contact us at Tindall Funeral Home through our online form or call (315) 468-5521 if you want to know about our pre-planning services and need advice.