The Last Plan - Private Funeral Pre Planning

We know it can be very daunting to think about pre planning your own funeral. It is something that we don't want to think about let alone talk about. We know it can be an uncomfortable discussion. Many of us feel that it is best to "just leave it to the kids. Let them figure it out - it doesn't matter to me - I'll be dead - what do I care"!

The burden that is placed on those we leave behind to make funeral and cemetery arrangements for a loved one is tremendous. It is a time of high emotion and stress and decisions that have to be made are not always made with you in mind. You leave your family with an emotional burden as well as a financial burden because of decisions they have to make. And there are many. I recommend taking a moment to vist our 'What Must be Done at Time of Death' page.

As Cemeterians, we have sat at the arrangement table to assist families making arrangements at the time of need. Those that have followed the wishes of the deceased brought less stress and anguish. Those families left to make the decisions for the deceased at the time of death brought arguments, undue stress and anguish at a time that should be bringing families together. We've witnessed arguments about the type of disposition, the casket, church, etc. Some family members say burial, other family members say cremation.

There is a difference between preplanning and prearranging. There are many benefits to both.

PrePlanning - You make your final wishes known to those who will be responsible for handling your arrangements. Such as the specific funeral home and/or cemetery you want to use. What type of casket if you want a traditional burial? Do you want a traditional burial or do you wish for your final disposition to be cremation? Do you want a ground burial or a mausoleum crypt entombment? Are you a Veteran? Do you wish to have honors when laid to rest? Are you a member of a fraternity? Do you want a church service or a graveside service? The decisions can go on and on.

When you clearly leave your instructions for those you leave behind, you eliminate tremendous stress and anguish. Your family wants the very very best for you - even in death. What they know - they will follow.

PreArranging - You have paid for some or all of your funeral services and/or cemetery services.

The Last Plan™ is a 34 page informational document developed to assist your family members and those responsible for your end of life wishes. We can never assume that the information they will need is readily available to them; or that they will always know where to find the information they need. The Last Plan™ will be the source that your family will go to for vital statistics, medical information, financial and insurance information, Veteran's information, Social Security information, Wills and important document location, burial and funeral information, and Living Will directives.

A personal message page completed by you titled "To My Family & Loved Ones"
"What Must be Done at the Time of Death" - 3 pages of items and decisions one must make at the time of death
The Different Types of Cemetery Burials - Final disposition options and descriptions
Living Will Information - 2 sets for you and your spouse or partner
Funeral & Cemetery Instructions - 2 sets for you and your spouse or partner
Current Financial Status - 3 sets to track your assets, liabilities, networth, securities, etc.
Emergency Notification List - 2 sets - Can be used for Police, Fire Department, Medical Team upon their request
Our Family & Friends List - 2 sets - Use for those who you wish to be contacted at your death
Location of Important Documents - 2 sets for you and your spouse or partner. Records where your important papers are located such as will, cemetery papers, deeds, titles, etc.
Medical Information & Insurance Policies - 2 sets for you and your spouse or partner. Records doctors information, insurance policy types and information.
Veterans Benefits Information
Social Security Information