Tips for Talking About Final Wishes With Your Loved Ones

Discussing final wishes with a loved one is always challenging. We do not like to think about death. We all know it is bound to happen, but we try to not think about it. This may sound like a good idea, but it has many drawbacks. Loved ones may be left wondering what your final wishes were, family feuds may occur, and the uncertainty about the division of assets are common results of not discussing final wishes. Again, we get that talking about our passing or the passing of a loved one is difficult. Here are some tips for overcoming these challenges:

• Make it a Casual Conversation: Do not push your loved one too much to talk about their final wishes. Do not act like it is an interrogation. Be more casual and try asking questions like “Hey (insert name), have you ever thought about what you would like to happen with your home after you pass?” This will make it more relaxed than perhaps a more direct question. If they do not want to talk about it, do not press them. It may take some time. You can always ask again in the future after a few days.



• Be Patient: Take your time. It is challenging to talk about death for everyone. Getting the idea in their mind by asking gently one time can go a long way. Do not force them to give you an answer. Allowing the question to stew in their mind gives them time to reflect. This may prompt them to tell you their final wishes at a later time.

Contact Our Funeral Home Today!

Philip J. Brendese Funeral Home is a funeral home serving Troy, NY. Talking with your loved one about their final wishes can be difficult. It is an emotional conversation that most people do not want to ever have. Unfortunately, we all will pass at some point and our families need to know our final wishes. Follow the tips above to make that conversation a little easier for everyone. When you are ready, we offer funeral pre-planning services to ensure your or your loved one’s final wishes are carried out. Contact us today to learn more!