Page 13 - Bereavement Guide Book

PLANNING AHEAD

Pre Planning
Preplanning your funeral will make certain Here are some tips that may help you start
that your choices are respected and carried the advance planning conversation with your
out, without leaving your family to wonder loved ones:
what your wishes might have been.
• Set a time to have the conversation.
When you’re ready to make a real plan, send Schedule it as an appointment with your
us an email and we will have one of our loved ones, whether you want to share your
advanced planning consolers call you to set plans with them or ask them to make their
up an appointment. plans to share with you.

There are many different ways to begin the • Tell your parent or loved one that you want
advance planning conversation. You know to ensure their final arrangements are done
your family and how your loved ones might according to their wishes, and you need their
best respond to the topic. For some families, help to make that happen.
it might be a casual conversation over dinner
or another family gathering. For other fami- • Ease into the conversation. Questions such
lies, a formal meeting might be better suited. as “Have you ever thought about where you
would like to be buried?” or “What type of
Regardless of your approach, the conversa- funeral would you like to have?” may open
tion is much easier to have when deathis not the discussion to more details about your
imminent. Bringing up the subject with loved loved one’s wishes.
ones earlier in life when they are younger,
and most likely healthier, makes the topic • Take advantage of funeral-related oppor-
easier to discuss and keeps the focus on the tunities. Attending the funeral of a friend,
celebration of life rather than an impending family member may naturally prompt the
loss. discussion with your own loved ones.

Peace and Tranquility Funeral Home | Page 13