Questions to Ask Your Loved Ones About Funeral Home Preplanning

It never will be easy to talk to your loved ones about their after-life plans for services at funeral homes in Amboy, IL. Even though talking about death is never easy, these conversations are essential.  

When you’re ready to have the discussion, you can use these questions to help guide you and make sure you get the information you need. To begin, ask if they have a will. According to a study done in 2020 by Trust & Will, only 32% of all adults have a will or living trust, and only 36% of adults with children under 18. Wills are vital documents that make sure a person’s last wishes are followed in the event of their death. Create a will with your loved ones, or make sure that that have one of their own, and keep it in a safe but accessible place.  

You should also ask about who will take care of their pets and what you should do with their online accounts. Most people love their pets like children and will therefore have specific wishes as to how they should be cared for upon their death. Make sure these wishes are written down in a safe place. Some people choose to keep their online presence as a digital memorial upon their death, while others would prefer that their digital presence is removed. Either way, make sure you have a list of their online accounts and passwords so you’re able to carry out their wishes when they pass. 

Don’t forget to ask about Powers of Attorney or Health Care Powers of Attorney. Power of Attorney is a document that gives a designated person the power to make legal decisions for another person if they become unable to make them for themselves. A Health Care Power of Attorney does the same, but for medical decisions instead of legal ones. These documents can be essential if your loved one is getting older or suffering from cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia. You also need to ask about financial information. Financial institutions are strict about giving people access to other people’s accounts, even if they are a spouse or close relative. That’s why it’s important for your loved ones to have their financial information written down and that you know where its kept. They should include sources of income and liabilities, accounts receivable, bank accounts, real estate, assets, securities, and personal property. 

Finally, have a discussion about how they would like to be celebrated. Perhaps the most important part of the after-life discussion is how your loved ones would like to be remembered and celebrated. Do they want to be buried or cremated? Have a funeral, memorial, or celebration of life? Asking about this now ensures your loved one’s wishes will be honored after their death. 

Though it’s impossible to be completely prepared for the death of a loved one, the answers to these questions will go a long way. Do you have more questions about preplanning, or would you like more information on Amboy, IL funeral homes? Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation is here to help.