advance prepAration

This section outlines activities that are recommended to be undertaken early and in some cases on a regular schedule with loved ones. These actions can make end of life transitions smoother and more comfortable for all family members and are also helpful in ensuring that the wishes of loved ones are honoured after they have passed. These include:  

• Personal – clarify personal wishes and practices

• Financial – identify, organize and make a list of all financial and material assets and liabilities

• Share information and final wishes – ensure appropriate and accurate communication with family and friends

Refer to  Saying Farewell for a pre-planning guide published by the Province of Alberta.

Personal Wishes

Personal Wishes are detailed instructions each individual may have in preparation for their eventual death.   

1. Discuss your wishes and preferences with your family which include but are not limited to:

   • Organ donation

   • Cremation and what to do with ashes

   • Specific post funeral instructions, if applicable

2. Create a personal directives document to list your preferences for personal decisions for when you are not in a position to do so. This document should:

   • Identify the people of your choice to be named as your Agent(s), to make the personal decisions (including medical decisions) on your behalf.

   • Ensure there is a primary and secondary agent designated should the primary agent be unavailable. 

   • Ensure your chosen agents are able and willing to take on this responsibility and understand your wishes and preferences. Refer to this document: Be an Agent: Personal Directives.

3. Pursue the completion of the Green Sleeve document with your physician and keep it available to be viewed by medical professionals when needed.

4. Ensure someone has all accesss to all account credetials, including: 

   • Financial: Account numbers, usernames, passwords, banking contact information

   • Devices: Passcodes and PINs for mobile phones, laptops, & tablets

   • Online accounts: Login credentials for email, social media, and loyalty accounts

   • Security: Any relevant recovery codes or two-factor authentication backups

5. Prepare a list of the people you want informed when you pass away.

6. Prepare a list of people who should and should not attend the funeral. Depending on the crematorium you choose you may wish to create a list of people who should be in the crematorium room during the actual cremation. 

Financial Wishes

Financial information that is structured easily and includes all financial and material assets and liabilities. 

1. Aim to have your finances as simplified as possible.

2. Prepare a comprehensive list of assets, investments, properties and other valuables including:

   • All financial papers

   • Information on how to access the funds

   • Investment information including any names and contact of any financial advisors

   • Insurance plan information and broker information

   • List of liabilities, funds owed that need to be paid

   • List of properties, mortgage information if applicable

   • List and images of jewellery, collectibles, etc

   • Vehicles and insurance policies

   • CRA account (designate a representative)

3. Have an updated Will in place and remember to update it after or in preparation of important milestones both positive and negative such as the birth of children, marriages, divorces, change in financial circumstances, etc. Consult with a lawyer as required. 

4. Have an enduring Power of Attorney document in place designating someone of your choice to manage your finances if and when you cannot. If required, consult a lawyer.

5. Consider having a joint account with a person of your choosing to help manage expenses for a short time and ensure there are sufficient funds available to cover the cost of the funeral. 

Sharing Information & Final Wishes

Communication about death and final wishes can be difficult but engaging in the conversations early and often can ensure a smoother more comfortable transition during the funeral and in the days afterwards.