Let’s Talk About the Thing No One Wants to Talk About: End-of-Life Planning
I get it. End-of-life planning isn’t exactly a sexy topic. It doesn’t make for great small talk at parties, and most of us avoid it until it’s staring us in the face. But here’s the truth: it’s one of the kindest, most loving things you can do—for yourself and for the people who love you.
Because when you don’t make a plan? Someone else has to do it for you. And often, they’re doing it in the middle of grief, confusion, and emotional exhaustion. That’s a brutal combo.
So let’s talk about what it actually means to plan for the inevitable—and how you can do it in a way that reflects your values, protects your dignity, and saves your family from the mess no one wants to be left with.
First Things First: Get the Legal Pieces in Place
If you do nothing else, please do this. A basic estate plan sets the foundation. I’m talking:
A will to lay out where your stuff goes.
A power of attorney so someone you trust can handle finances if you’re not able to.
A healthcare power of attorney that spells out your medical wishes when you can’t speak for yourself, plus a healthcare proxy to make decisions on your behalf.
None of this is glamorous. But it gives your voice power when it matters most.
Next Up: What Kind of Care Do You Actually Want?
If something unexpected happens, do you want everything done to keep you alive, or are there limits? Would you want to be kept on life support indefinitely? What kind of long-term care would you be open to—or absolutely not?
These are hard questions, but the answers matter. Your living will can make those preferences clear, and your healthcare power of attorney ensures someone who knows you—not a stranger—is making the call.
And if long-term care becomes necessary, having a plan in place early means more options, better quality, and way less panic when decisions need to be made.
Yes, We’re Going There: Funeral Wishes
Do you want to be buried, cremated, composted (hey, it’s a thing), or something else entirely? Do you want a party, a quiet gathering, a playlist, someone reading poetry, or absolutely no speeches whatsoever?
Whatever it is, name it. Writing it down saves your loved ones from guessing—and second-guessing—during one of the hardest moments of their lives.
Keep Your Docs Together (and Tell Someone Where They Are)
Don’t stash your will in a mystery folder on your desktop or leave your healthcare power of attorney in the glovebox. Keep it simple and centralized. One folder. One location. Tell someone you trust. Ideally more than one someone.
And Please—Have the Actual Conversation
This might be the hardest part. But nothing beats clear communication. Let your people know your wishes. Walk them through your plan. Make it normal. Make it human. Make it real. You don’t have to have it all figured out—just start the conversation.
Bottom Line: Planning for Death Is About Respecting Life
You don’t need to have a life-threatening diagnosis to think about this stuff. You just need to care enough to not leave a mess behind. And if that thought feels overwhelming? That’s okay. You don’t have to do it alone.
If you’re ready to start—or even just ready to talk about where to start—reach out. This is what I do, and I promise I’ll meet you with empathy, clarity, and zero judgment. Because planning for the end of life isn’t morbid. It’s courageous.
And you? You’re brave enough to face it. But we can take the first steps together. Contact me at 402-259-0059 or zach@zandersonlaw.com.