Tag: trusts

Living Funerals

~ Che Rob ~ Leave a comment

Recently, a novel concept has emerged, reshaping the traditional approach to farewells: living funerals. Unlike conventional ceremonies held posthumously, living funerals provide an occasion for individuals to actively celebrate their lives while still alive and surrounded by loved ones. This blog explores the significance of living funerals, their origins, benefits, and the impact they can have on individuals and their communities. We will unravel the essence of living funerals and their transformative power in embracing life’s beauty.

Origins and Evolution 

The roots of living funerals can be traced back to various cultural practices and traditions that celebrate life and honor the journey of the living. From ancient rituals commemorating milestones and achievements to modern-day ceremonies emphasizing the importance of connection and presence, living funerals have shifted the focus from death to life itself. In recent years, individuals have increasingly embraced the concept of living funerals as a way to reclaim control over their end-of-life experiences and leave behind a meaningful legacy.

Creating Meaningful Moments 

At the heart of a living funeral lies the opportunity to create meaningful moments and memories that celebrate the richness of life. Whether gathering with loved ones to share stories, expressing gratitude for cherished relationships, or engaging in activities that bring joy and fulfillment, living funerals provide a space for individuals to reflect on their lives and their impact on others. By actively participating in their own celebration, individuals can find some peace and tranquility as they approach the end of life.

Healing and Connection 

Living funerals also offer a powerful opportunity for healing and connection for the individual and their loved ones. By openly acknowledging the reality of mortality and celebrating life in the present moment, living funerals can facilitate meaningful conversations, strengthen bonds, and provide a sense of closure for all involved. Through shared laughter, tears, and expressions of love, participants can find solace in the collective experience of honoring life and embracing the beauty of human connection.

Empowering End-of-Life Planning

In addition to serving as a celebration of life, living funerals can also play a practical role in end-of-life planning. Through active engagement in their own farewell ceremony, individuals can guarantee the fulfillment of their last desires, the acknowledgment of their preferences, and the preservation of their legacy. From selecting meaningful readings and music to expressing personal messages and intentions, living funerals empower individuals to shape their narrative and leave a legacy reflecting their values and beliefs.

Living funerals offer a powerful and transformative way for individuals to celebrate life, connect with loved ones, and find meaning and closure in the face of mortality. By shifting the focus from death to life, these unique ceremonies provide a space for reflection, gratitude, and celebration, fostering healing and connection for all involved. As we continue to explore new ways of honoring life and embracing the end-of-life journey, may we find inspiration in the concept of living funerals and the profound impact they can have on our lives and relationships.

Advance Care Planning

~ Che Rob ~ 2 Comments

Advance care planning is how you communicate your wishes to your loved ones and medical professionals should you become incommunicado. The first and most crucial step is having conversations with your medical team and the people making decisions on your behalf. Although this can be difficult, all parties will benefit if you cannot make your wishes known.

An Advance Care Directive is a legal document allowing you to specify your preferences for medical treatment and end-of-life care. This document, also known as a living will, can help take the guesswork out of how you want to be cared for. It will outline your wishes regarding life-sustaining treatments, resuscitation, pain management, organ donation, and other medical interventions.

A Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare is the second legal document for advance care planning. This document designates the person you choose to make your healthcare decisions should you become incapacitated. This person should be a trusted individual who is familiar with your wishes. Share your documents with your designated person as well as other close loved ones so they know what to do if your proxy is unavailable.

These two documents are essential components of advance care planning. Making medical care decisions can be daunting for your loved ones. These documents help alleviate the burden of decision-making for them during difficult times. Without these documents, state laws will determine who will make medical decisions on your behalf. This person is typically your next of kin.

While recognized as legal documents, there is no legal obligation to follow them, meaning talking to your loved ones and medical team is paramount. More on that here. Should a complex medical situation arise where it’s not completely clear what your wishes are, these conversations will give guidance on how to proceed.

You can include other forms in your advance care directive, such as “do not resuscitate,” “do not intubate,” and “do not hospitalize.” You will have these orders on file in your medical chart. Without them, the medical team will make these decisions for you, doing everything possible to save your life. You can find these forms on The Conversation Project website.

While uncomfortable sometimes, conversations surrounding end-of-life are necessary. You will need a lawyer to help with the legal documents and a loved one who will carry out your wishes. Your choices may upset critical people in your network, so that’s something to consider when choosing who will fulfill your desires. It’s best to advocate for yourself and your wishes while you still can.