Discussing A Loved One’s Final Wishes
Discussing a loved one's final wishes is difficult, but important. Nobody wants to acknowledge that one day your relative will no longer be around, and this conversation can be uncomfortable and upsetting.
Nearly 62% of people say they haven’t shared their final wishes with loved ones. That means families are often left guessing during an already emotional time.
One of the basic questions is burial or cremation. If you are considering a direct, or unattended, cremation it is very important you discuss this with your family as they will not be able to attend a service to say farewell. This they may struggle with if they only find this out when they are consumed with grief.
At Wedlake Funeral Home, we encourage pre-planning, not because we want to talk about death, but because we believe in giving peace of mind, clarity, and a chance to truly celebrate life your way.
Why is it important?
If you don't know someone's final wishes, then they may not be carried out. Many choose a family member who will then act on their wishes at the time of need.
Being aware of your loved one's final wishes enables you to work with a funeral director in advance to plan specifics. This ensures that their memory is honoured in the best way possible and reduces stress at a difficult time.
Consider the best approach
Finding the best approach to this discussion can be hard. You may feel uncomfortable bringing it up, so it is important to think about the best way to start the conversation.
As family, you know your relative better than anyone. Consider whether a direct or indirect approach is best. If they find the topic of death difficult to talk about, bringing in someone who is close to both you and your loved one may help.
Support and comfort are important when approaching such a sensitive subject.
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Ask for details
Organising a funeral involves many decisions. Having a written record of preferences and last wishes helps make the arrangement easier. Some things to ask your relative could be:
- Funeral Preferences – Have they taken out a plan?
- Are there any important documents you should know about?
- Have any provisions been made for costs?
We work closely with Open Pre Paid Funeral Plans so your loved one receives a highly professional service.
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Be prepared
Talking about death can provoke an unexpected reaction. Discussing death is often rare and conversations may cause upset.
It is important to remind your loved one why you are having this talk; you love them and want to give them the very best funeral.
Contact the professionals
When organising a funeral, it is important you choose a professional and experienced funeral director. Wedlake Funeral Home have been serving the community for over 100 years and can help you with your loved one's final wishes and deliver the perfect send off.
For more information, call us today on either 01726 211555 or 01726 850216
Nick and David can be contacted 24 hours a day, so we are always there when you need us.