Aging is a part of our mortal existence. Preparing ourselves and helping our loved ones in their preparation can bring peace of mind. Preparation can facilitate an opportunity to share the limited special time in uplifting, tender, and bonding ways without the undue burden of stress and unanswered concerns.
General Handbook includes information on Funerals and Other Services for the Deceased. Consult with your Bishop about your plans. See General Handbook section 29.5 Funerals and Other Services for the Deceased. Other instructions in the Handbook:
Temple Burial Clothing instructions 38.5.10.; Dedicating Graves/Ashes 18.16.; Burial or Cremation 38.7.2
Missionary attending a funeral of immediate family member 24.6.2.7.
Preparing ahead for funerals allows time for thoughtful and personalized decisions. These may include: Writing an obituary, purchasing burial plots, choosing the casket and flowers and headstone, choosing pall bearers, designing your program including photos to be included, asking individuals to speak and pray at the funeral, deciding on music for the funeral, gathering photos and memories that you would like displayed and organizing them in notebooks if needed, making a video of photos to play, making a list of family and friends to invite and including contact information, planning a time and location for the funeral , specifying burial clothing, and planning for food for the funeral and out of town guests that gather.
Declutter and organize now! Make a list of belongings and begin distributing them now or make a list of who they will be given to in your will. Communicate your wishes ahead of time to avoid hurt feelings or unrealized expectations. You may consider writing the history of a certain item and why it is meaningful. If your family does not need or desire your household furnishings, make provisions for them to be sold or donated to Deseret Industries.
It can be important to legally assign someone (a trustee or co-trustee) to oversee your interests when you are no longer able to. (Someone you “trust” to carry out your desires). This can be a huge responsibility.
It is not always clear whether an aging parent or relative needs help. Sometimes a person will recognize that they need help and request it, or an emergency or sudden illness will make it clear. Others may not want to cause worry or admit they’re struggling. Aging is a difficult transition. Losing capacity is not easy for someone who has been self-sufficient. Preparedness allows a parent to make important decisions regarding their long-term care while they are still able to.
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/caregiving/does-older-adult-your-life-need-help
https://www.nia.nih.gov/sites/default/files/2023-04/worksheet-home-safety-checklist_1.pdf