If you have ever wondered about the fulfillment of your wishes after your death, you are not alone. End of life planning is an important part of life plans. According to a recently published article, people who have planned the end of their lives well in advance tend to spend less time in the hospital on average. A sound plan will translate into less stress and anxiety for your loved ones. In this article, we shall learn how you can protect yourself against these blunders.
Putting off the end of life conversation for too long
Conversations concerning death make most people uncomfortable, but postponing it is not the answer. It is not an exaggeration to say that you will be doing your loved ones a favor if you communicate it at the earliest. A well thought out end of life plan will prevent a lot of stress, heartache, and uncertainty.
Having a vague idea about the power of attorney
In simple terms, the General Power of Attorney is a legal document, which authorizes a particular person to represent you in business or legal matters for a specific period of time. An Enduring Power of Attorney, on the other hand, grants these rights to a particular person without the restriction of time. The Enduring Power of Attorney is activated when the person authorizing it is considered to be incapable of making sound decisions. You must be well aware of these subtle nuances.
Not planning a clear healthcare road map
Thanks to the advancements in modern healthcare, there is now a multitude of options available. Having a well-defined healthcare plan for the end of life situation will save a lot of time and money. It will most likely determine how one will be spending their last days.
Failing to update end of life choices from time to time
Just like the adage, "Variety is the spice of life," you are sure to undergo many changes in your lifetime. As circumstances change, so will your preferences. It is recommended that you revisit your end of life preferences once every five years.
Failing to inform the status of debts to the family members
Death does not erase debts. All outstanding debts will be debited from the estate of the deceased. Your family members must be informed about all debts and their statuses to protect them against any unwarranted claims in the future.
I hope this helps to overcome problems at the end of life of you and your loved ones.
Thanks for reading,
Karen