When people who haven’t had conversations about death and dying become seriously ill or injured, often their family has to make difficult decisions on their behalf about the medical care they receive.  In this episode, Brian talks about different reasons it can be good to start the conversation about what your final wishes are before there is a need. He also provides ideas on different times that could be a natural opening to the conversation.
Reasons to start the conversation early- before an illness 
● Peace of mind
● Ability to communicate wishes
● Able to prepare financially 
● Ability to plan in parts
● Ability to shop for the best plan

Sometimes it can feel uncomfortable to bring up the conversation or figure out where to start when discussing your final wishes. In this episode, Brian talks about ways to start planning both on your own and with your loved ones. He gives ideas on what to look at to start the process of planning your final wishes. Brian also gives ideas on different ways to bring up the conversation with loved ones such as going to The Conversation Project or filling out the online pre-arrangement form on our website. 
How to start planning for the conversation:
- Check in on your life insurance
- Locate or start a will/ trust
- Update your estate plan
- Consider a travel protection plan
If you want to learn more about pre-planning, visit our website or listen to our in-depth podcast:
Preneed VS At Need
Write Your Own Story
What to Bring to a Preneed Appointment

While most deaths today are due to chronic illness such as heart disease and cancers, death can occur unexpectedly in accidents and sudden severe illness. This is why it is important to start the conversation about final wishes early. In this episode, Brian talks about what things should be addressed in a conversation about death. He explains what information your funeral director will need to know in an arrangement conference and what to write down during the conversation. He also talks about what items should be brought to an arrangement conference and different documents that would be helpful to have located.
To learn more about Next of Kin, you can watch this video where Brian explains ORS.97.130. To find an Appointment of Another form, you can locate it on  our website under forms.  To start the pre-arrangement process with Bateman Funeral Home, you can visit our website or call 541-265-2751. 
If you have any questions, or have another topic you would like The Last Track to cover, you can email Brian at info@batemanpacificview.com.