Discussing end-of-life wishes and plans can be uncomfortable, but important. According to LegalZoom (www.legalzoom.com) only about 32 percent of Americans have created estate planning documents. Additionally, more than half (52 percent) of Americans don’t know where their parent’s important documents are located. Determining your own end-of-life wishes and discussing difficult topics with loved ones can help reduce stress and ensure final wishes are fulfilled.  

The Boone, Kenton, and Campbell County Cooperative Extension Services partnered on a three-part series of programs focused on aging and end-of-life decision making because of previous programs, and discussion with the family and consumer sciences advisory committees. Programs held included “Financial Considerations,” and “Living Arrangements and Important Documents.” Boone County Extension hosted the “End of Life Decisions, Options, and Communications” session and a stand alone session on wills and other important documents. Participants received University of Kentucky Extension estate planning publications, Federal Trade Commission information on funerals, and Kentucky government’s living will packets.  Participants were encouraged to talk with their loved ones about their wishes and prepare written documents and instructions for later life.

One hundred and three adults from the general public participated in one or more of the programs.  Evaluations were mailed to participants of the three-part series about three months after the end of the sessions.

27 shared information from the programs with more than 79 family and friends

23 reviewed the beneficiaries on their accounts and policies and one-fourth of those made important changes and updates to the information

21 reviewed or updated their will or other important papers and 4 individuals had a will, or other legal documents created because of what they learned in the sessions

18 talked with their loved ones about their important documents, final wishes, organ and tissue donation wishes, and other end of life information; 10 organized their important documents.

Planning for, and communicating about, one’s distribution of assets and final wishes can lead to decreased stress and better preparation by loved ones.

End-of-life discussions and decisions may never be easy, but they will always be important. One individual further explored “green burial” options in the area. Another is considering home renovations for their future needs based on the universal design segment of the program. Five participants explored local retirement communities for themselves or their loved ones.