From sharing family history to discussing medical wishes, there are plenty of important conversations everyone should have with their loved ones, especially those living in a senior community. Engaging in these meaningful topics will help you to express your wishes and make sure your loved ones know what you want in your later years, and also impart important memories or history. Here are some discussions to check off your list:
Who will make medical decisions on your behalf?
Having a plan in place before an injury or disease progresses can help smooth decisions about your care. Have you made it clear who will make medical decisions on your behalf if you cannot? And most importantly, is that person aware of their role and your wishes regarding your care? These conversations can be hard but are necessary to ensure your desires are fulfilled. For each of these steps, it is important to discuss how and when to put these documents in place with your attorney. For a helpful outline, check out A Guide to Medical and Legal Decisions, prepared by the Michigan Legislature.
How would you like to be remembered?
While discussing plans for your funeral or memorial may feel uncomfortable to think about, giving your loved ones clear guidance is actually a wonderful gift. A plan allows them to execute your wishes without having to weigh each decision and debate your preferences. Many tools exist to help you prepare and even plan your own memorial service. Once you complete your plan, make sure to share it or store in an easily accessible place.
Your family’s history
Telling stories from your family’s history with younger generations can help preserve your family’s legacy. And recording your memories or stories can be a unique gift for your loved ones. Sharing your earliest memory, about your parents or how you met your spouse can help maintain these memories for the future. Writing stories in a journal or recording a video of you telling the memories will keep them intact for later viewing.
What is the secret to life?
Maybe you have the answer! Even if not, you likely have some insights and thoughts on living. Your wisdom may be helpful to your younger generations. Sharing your perceptions, in a loving way, may benefit both you and those looking for guidance. Consider writing or recording some lessons you’ve learned or sageness you’d like to impart. Then it’s up to you whether you share these thoughts now or save them for discovery later on.
Finding a time to have these conversations now can give you peace of mind that your wishes will be honored in the future, and that your memories have been preserved.
