10/04/2023
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HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR DEATH?

In our first blog, What is a Celebration of Life?, we discussed what it means and what a Digital Legacy is.  In our second blog, we discuss preparing for one's eventual passing.  It involves a range of practical and emotional considerations. Here's a general outline of steps someone might take:
  1. Legal Documents: Create or update important legal documents, including a will, living will (advance healthcare directive), and power of attorney. These documents outline your wishes for medical care, financial matters, and the distribution of your assets.  A good digital legacy app will help you organize your end-of-life documents.
  2. Estate Planning: Consider consulting with a lawyer to ensure that your estate is organized and your assets are properly managed and distributed according to your wishes.
  3. Digital Legacy: Decide how you want your digital presence and online accounts to be handled after your passing. This includes social media accounts, emails, and other digital assets.  EverArk's celebration of life app has a Digital Vault to help you manage your digital presence and online accounts after one's passing.
  4. Healthcare Wishes: Communicate your healthcare preferences to your loved ones and establish a healthcare proxy or durable power of attorney for healthcare decisions.
  5. Funeral and Burial Arrangements: Outline your preferences for your funeral, burial, or memorial service. This can ease the burden on your loved ones during a difficult time.  If you are using a digital legacy app, you can prepare your notices and arrangements in advance.
  6. Financial Matters: Make sure your loved ones are aware of your financial accounts, assets, and any debts. Consider establishing a trust or naming beneficiaries where applicable.
  7. Personal Belongings: Think about what you want to happen to your personal belongings, heirlooms, and sentimental items. Communicate these wishes to your family.
  8. Organ Donation: If you wish to donate organs or tissues, make your intentions known and consider registering as an organ donor.
  9. Communication: Have open conversations with your loved ones about your wishes, financial matters, and end-of-life preferences. This can help avoid confusion and conflicts later.
  10. Emotional Support: Seek emotional support from friends, family, or a counselor. Preparing for death can be emotionally challenging, and having a support system can make a significant difference.
  11. Legacy Planning: Reflect on the legacy you want to leave behind. This could involve sharing life lessons, values, and memories with your loved ones.  
  12. Review and Update: Regularly review and update your plans as circumstances change, such as major life events, legal changes, or shifts in your preferences.

Remember, every individual's situation is unique. It's important to tailor your preparations to your own circumstances and consult with legal and financial professionals when needed.  Selecting a celebration of life app like EverArk will facilitate and organize many of your preparations so loved ones are left with an ever lasting digital footprint.

​To start exploring your digital legacy options, check out EverArk's Celebration of Life app.