Are you ready for the unexpected?

The Importance of Advance Directives: More Than Just Legal Documents

“I’m most afraid of becoming a burden to my family one day, so I live cautiously.” my friend once said to me.

“What does ‘burden’ mean?”

“It means if I get injured, become paralyzed, and have to lie in bed fully conscious, needing my family to take care of me. That’s why I’m even afraid of climbing a slightly steep hill.”

This conversation made me think about the importance of insurance, wills, and medical directives. The way a person leaves this world is not a choice they can make, and many people are no longer shy about discussing this topic, expressing their wish to leave this world peacefully in their sleep at an old age.

Yes, that’s the ideal situation.

But what if things don’t go as hoped? Are we prepared to face reality?

Where will we be taken care of?
Who will take care of us?
Who will pay for it?

If we can still communicate clearly, we can express our wishes,
But what if we lose consciousness? Besides the family being at a loss, who decides whether to accept further medical treatment or not accepting?

That’s why writing a medical directive is important. It clearly informs the family of our choices, reducing their hesitation and guilt.

And of course we all agree that one day we will leave this world. Wills become extremely important.

Many people think wills are only for the wealthy, but I believe a will is a way to convey our decisions to our family or close ones, avoiding unnecessary disputes.

A will includes how you want to deal with your assets (both monetary and non-monetary), how to distribute them, the assets you wish to donate (items, organs, etc.), the type of farewell you want, and where you want your body to rest after death, among other things.

In my conversation with my friend, I also realized another issue; if letting our family bear the responsibility of long-term care, wouldn’t it be a greater act of love to choose to leave this world autonomously in a country where it is legal?

If you’ve thought about this, you might want to consider setting this a to-do list and goal. In my previous article of the four-quadrant, categorizing going abroad upon unconsciousness as an “Important & Not Urgent” goal. Plan step by step in financial, legal, and other aspects, gather information and consult professionals. In addition to insurance, prepare a fund and plan to convert it into a trust, write a will to let your family know and assist in handling it.

Everyone’s choice is different, and the considerations vary. There’s no right or wrong choice, only what’s most suitable for oneself and the family. It’s worth communicating with the family, not necessarily to reach a consensus immediately, but the communication will surely help both sides understand each other more.

Making these preparations is not only being responsible for the family but also giving them the freedom of choice, the love that allows us to fully live every moment, and experience the people, events, and things in this world, isn’t it?

#MoreThanTiffany #FinancialPlanning #ChoiceIsFreedom #FreedomIsChoice #PostLifePlanning