Throughout life, we learn to say, “Hello,” how to shake a hand, and how to greet a stranger. But, we are never taught how to prepare before we die.
By Tamera Whitlow, LVN, USAF Veteran
Your life is unique. Every life is different, so is every death. Plan ahead and make your death what you want it to be. You never know what is ahead, or what your final hours will be for you or your loved ones. Death is as individual as the way we live.
We talk about birthdays, babies, marriages and all major celebrations in life except death. Many want to avoid the subject of dying. Wills, medical power of attorney, cremation, funeral, casket, and embalming, are topics we avoid.
Who will take care of you when you need care at the end of your life? What do you want to happen when you are dying? Who will speak if you can’t? What if you have memory loss? What do you want to happen with your body or possessions? Do you want a funeral? Do you want to be at home or a hospital?
When people think or talk about death it often brings on anxiety. By sharing your wishes with others, you can take the anxiety away and help your loved ones grieve appropriately. It will happen whether you are prepared or not.
You have the obligation to prepare the lives that are intertwined with yours. Preparing will have questions answered and can give those involved a sense of peace knowing what was important to you. Because death is inevitable, it forces you to live life to the fullest. If you have planned in advance, you will live and die with more dignity, peace and calmness.
Our staff at Home Hospice has brought comfort, compassion and expert end of life care to the community since 1982. We will support you and your family as you prepare for the things most important to you; and we will help facilitate difficult conversations so your family will know what you want if you die. You may reach out to us at 903-868-9315 or 940-665-9891, so we can help you with your plans.
