Take the time to prepare for end

In communities where cultural or religious traditions are strong, people don’t worry about their funeral.

They know that when the time comes those closest to them will know what to do – custom and duty will see to it that things are done properly.

This eliminates choice, but it also eliminates confusion.

In communities where traditions have been left behind, dying people have no such assurance.

When death happens, unless they have been told, those closest to them won’t necessarily know what to do.

If those closest to you do not know how you want to be cared at the end of your life, and afterwards, or whether you would like to be buried or cremated, you will need to tell them.

Making a plan for your funeral is, understandably, something we never really want to get round to.

Putting your affairs in order should include how you are looked after in your last days, who will speak and act for you when you can no longer do so for yourself, where you die, whether or not your organs are donated, whether your body will be buried or cremated and your funeral ceremony.

A plan like this spans several separate professional domains, each of which includes its own specialists – solicitors, will writers, financial advisers, medics, undertakers, celebrants and caterers.

The only person who can join them all up is you.