How to Face Your Fears and Make an End-of-Life Plan

We understand that death is a fear-inducing and anxiety-producing subject. Here are some suggestions on how to face your fears and make a plan. 

Most people know the type of end-of-life care they want, but only a few have written their wishes in a legal instrument. A study commissioned by Vitas Hospice at the University of Chicago found that only 22 percent of American adults have documented their wishes. And according to our partner, Cake, your family faces 500 hours of work if you don’t make an end-of-life plan. 

5 Reasons Why We Delay End-of-Life Planning

There are several reasons why some people do not make plans for their final days, including funeral arrangements. 

Denial

Death is a sensitive, and often avoided, topic for many people. Some individuals may have a psychological aversion to confronting their mortality, making it challenging to engage in end-of-life planning. Superstition plays a role, too — if I plan for my passing, I’m more likely to die sooner. 

Procrastination 

Some people wait until the last minute to file taxes, pay bills, and do other unpleasant but necessary tasks. And younger, healthy individuals don’t feel a sense of urgency, believing that they have plenty of time to take care of it later.

Lack of Awareness

Some people may not fully understand the importance or benefits of making funeral plans. They might be unaware of the potential burden their loved ones may face in making decisions during grief or the options for preplanning a funeral. 

Cultural or Religious Factors

Cultural or religious beliefs and practices can influence an individual's approach to funeral planning. In some cultures or religions, it is customary for the family or community to handle the funeral arrangements without prior planning by the deceased.

Emotional Reasons 

Planning one's funeral can be emotionally distressing for some people. They may prefer to avoid confronting their mortality or find it too difficult to think about the details and decisions involved.

5 Reasons to Face Your Fears & Plan Ahead

Your feelings, including the fear of dying and death, are valid. The fear of death is one of human beings’ top phobias. However, none of us are immortal. Accepting a fact doesn’t mean we have to like it — and there are many reasons, both loving and practical, why you should face your fears and plan ahead. 

Protect Your Family

Most of us want to protect our loved ones from additional stress after we’re gone. Leaving detailed instructions using the necessary legal documents removes the burden on your family. They won’t have to guess about the type of healthcare you want or the funeral service you’d prefer. Instead, they can concentrate on celebrating your life and legacy. 

Will Protect Your Assets

Individuals who die without a valid Will could leave their loved ones vulnerable to probate court. Depending on where you live and your financial assets, dying without an estate plan could have significant tax implications, too. 

Choose Your Heirs

Making an end-of-life plan ensures you decide how your estate and personal belongings are distributed. Again, it would be up to a probate judge to determine who gets what, even if that is not what you would have wanted. 

Protect Minor Children

You can designate a legal guardian in your absence if you have young children. You may not want any doubt about who should be in charge of such an important responsibility.

Decide on Care

Your end-of-life plan should include clear instructions on what type of care you wish to receive. Perhaps you want aggressive treatment for an incurable disease, or maybe you prefer to have palliative care through hospice. You can designate someone to speak on your behalf if you cannot.