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Home > Consumer Focus Archive > Final Wishes
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Consumer Focus: Final
Wishes (Part
1)
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Final Wishes
 Death is a natural a part of life. Yet, most of us find that the anticipated sorrow of saying goodbye to loved ones we care about prevents us from discussing our final wishes. This guide will give you items to consider before you sit down with your loved ones. We hope that it will help you make everyone around you more comfortable as you share your wishes concerning life’s final event and prepare your final arrangements.
Posted: April 1, 2005
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 Why Should I Communicate My Wishes?
Many of us say things like, “I’ll work until I die,” or “I’ll go so fast it won’t matter,” but the truth is, most of us will spend a significant period of time in a steady decline. As we decline, our family members will become increasingly responsible for ensuring that we live out our final days in the manner that we choose. So it really is critical that we all plan ahead and tell the people who matter what we believe about life and how we want to face death.
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 How Should I Get Started?
AARP suggests that the first conversation you must have is with yourself, to find out what your feelings are regarding your own death.
- Where do you want to die? At home? In a hospital or medical facility? Do you want to move to be closer to relatives, friends or other loved ones?
- What kind of medical treatment do you want? What don't you want?
- Who do you want to take care of you?
- What do you think is a "good death?"
- What kind of funeral services do you want?
- What do you want done with your remains?
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 What Legal Documents Do I Need?
Communicating your wishes to your family members is only going to be the first step in ensuring that your final wishes are carried out. Every adult should also have at least a power of attorney, a living will or medical directive and a will or trust in place so that his or her wishes can be followed. If your family doesn’t have these legal directives, they may not be able to enforce your wishes, so you should consult an attorney and have the appropriate documents drawn up.
This is also the time you should consider planning your estate and your funeral. Financial issues and fights over who gets what shouldn’t be your legacy. Remember, the more you plan now, the easier it will be for your loved ones to focus on remembering the joys of your life, instead of focusing on the business of concluding it.
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