Why You Should Consider Preparing Your End-of-Life Plan

By Cheryl Cottrill, End-of-Life Doula

We get it—thinking about the end of your life isn’t exactly at the top of your to-do list. It’s uncomfortable, maybe even a little scary. But here’s the thing: planning for the inevitable isn’t about focusing on death. It’s about making the most of life. It’s about ensuring your wishes are honoured, easing the burden on your loved ones, and preparing your final act of living to include dignity, comfort, and peace.

At Huron Shores Hospice, we believe that quality of death is just as important as quality of life. Planning ahead isn’t about doom and gloom—it’s about empowerment, clarity, and, ultimately, peace of mind. Let’s explore why having a plan matters and why now is the perfect time to create yours.

You Don’t Have to Understand Death to Accept It

Death is one of life’s biggest mysteries. No one has all the answers. Waiting until everything makes sense before accepting it may keep you trapped in fear. Often, stepping into the unknown is the first move toward finding peace.  Our workshops provide a safe and open space to talk about these realities, ask questions, and take control of the things we can prepare for.

Planning Helps You Live Life More Fully

When we ignore death, we often miss out on living fully. When we accept that our time is finite, every moment becomes more precious. What kind of legacy do you want to leave? How do you want to spend your remaining time? Having a plan helps you focus on what really matters—living with purpose and spending quality time with the people you love. A plan helps shift the focus from dying to what legacy, memories and lessons you’ll leave for loved ones. It turns your attention more on passing on the torch to loved ones rather than focusing on the end.

Your Wishes, Your Way

End-of-life planning lets you make important decisions ahead of time, so your wishes are respected. Do you want to stay in your own home? Would you prefer hospice care? If you’re an avid nature lover, maybe you’d like a window view of the trees and a bird feeder outside. If you’re more private, you might want to limit visitors. These choices are yours to make—but can only be fulfilled if your loved ones know what you want. Writing them down and sharing with family is a way to make sure your wishes are respected.

Lightening the Load for Your Loved Ones

Imagine your family trying to make difficult decisions about your care without knowing what you truly want. It can be overwhelming, stressful, and, at times, even a source of guilt. By creating an end-of-life plan, you’re giving your loved ones a priceless gift—the reassurance that they’re following your wishes. They won’t have to second-guess themselves or wonder if they did the right thing. Your plan will be their guide.

The Difference Between a Will and an End-of-Life Plan

Many people think that writing a Will and Powers of Attorney for Property and Personal Care is enough. While these legal documents are a great start and very important, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. An end-of-life plan includes writing down what good care looks like to you, so your wishes are known if you can’t speak for yourself. It means having everything organized in one place. Writing down your passwords, financial investments, insurance, etc. will make things easier for your family. It is about covering all the bases to protect both you and your family.

What About Medical Decisions?

Do you want CPR if you’re 96 and frail? What kind of medical interventions are you comfortable with? If you don’t make these decisions in advance, someone else will have to—and they may not know what you would have wanted. By attending our workshop, you’ll learn about the different options and how to document them properly.

How Our Workshops Can Help

Our End-of-Life Planning Workshops will provide you with the tools and resources to create a plan that reflects your wishes. Led by our compassionate and trained End of Life Doulas, these sessions cover:

·       The essentials of advance care planning

·       How to communicate your wishes with loved ones

·       How to prepare a vigil plan for your final days and hours

·       How to create a legacy that reflects your values

and gives you the practical steps to get started.

While you cannot control death, you can control how you prepare for it. By focusing on the things that you have power over you can reduce anxiety and fear. You'll walk away from the workshop feeling informed, confident, and maybe even relieved, knowing you've taken control of this important part of life.

Get Started Today with Our Free Workbook:

A great first step is to download your free digital copy of Getting Your Ducks in a Row—our practical end-of-life planning workbook. It’s filled with helpful prompts and tools to guide you through the planning process at your own pace. To access your copy, simply subscribe to our email list. You’ll also be the first to know when new End-of-Life Planning Workshops are scheduled.

Download Your Copy Today!

Let’s create a world where end-of-life receives the same beauty, care, and respect as the beginning—together.