Discussing end-of-life wishes and plans can be uncomfortable, but important. With the COVID-19 pandemic affecting individuals and families in a variety of ways, planning for end-of-life became a focus for many. According to LegalZoom (www.legalzoom.com) the pandemic increased the number of people who have created a will or estate plan, but many American remain without. It is estimated that 30 percent of Americans don’t know if their parents have a will; only 41 percent of those over 55 have end-of-life directives; and, only 33 percent of Americans over 55 have a durable power of attorney. Many (estimated at 77 percent) Americans believe estate planning is important for everyone but 31 percent of those who saw a greater need as a result of COVID did nothing about it.

The Boone County Cooperative Extension Service held a series of programs focused on planning for and communicating about end-of-life wishes. The series included: “Passing on Personal Possessions: Who Gets Grandma’s Yellow Pie Plate?” (a curriculum from University of Minnesota Extension), “Wills, Legal Documents, and Probate Explained” (presented by a local lawyer with support materials from University of Kentucky Extension), and “What Every Spouse (and Family) Should Know” (with materials from University of Kentucky Extension, AARP, and Utah Extension). Each session allowed participants to think about the how to distribute titled and untitled property, the importance of having a valid will, durable power of attorney, and living will, and how to effectively communicate wishes and desires with loved ones. Worksheets and workbooks were provided to participants to help them and their loved ones plan for the future.

One hundred and six (106) unique adult men and women from the general public participated in one or more of the sessions. Evaluations were mailed to all participants about three months after the end of the sessions. Forty-nine surveys were completed and returned revealing:

4 individuals created a legal will because of what they learned in the sessions

67 percent considered their own goals for distributing their personal property and thought about the idea of “fair”

59 percent organized their important papers to make it easier for loved ones in case of incapacitation

57 percent reviewed and updated the wills they already had

53 percent talked with their loved ones about where their important documents are located

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

27 percent completed the “last instructions” workbook that outlines their burial or cremation wishes and acknowledgements of life

More than half (53 percent) shared with 85 other people what they learned during the sessions

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 many never be easy but they will always be important. One individual shared “Awesome class that helped not only my personal plans but also helped with encouraging elder family members in planning.” Another participant shared “I knew some of the things but it impressed upon me that I needed to get busy and get these legal matters reviewed and updated plus other finalized.” Boone County Cooperative Extension will continue to offer programs to help individuals navigate the path of planning and communicating end-of-life documents and wishes.