How do you begin the conversation about PrePlanning?

Here are some tips that maybe helpful:

• Set a time to have the conversation.
  Schedule it as an appointment with your loved ones, whether you want to share your plans with them or ask them to make their plans to share with you.
• Make it about them. 
  Tell your parent or loved one that you want to ensure their final arrangements are done according to their wishes, and you need their help to make that happen.
•  Ease into the conversation.
  Questions such as “Have you ever thought about where you would like to be buried?” or “What type of funeral would you like to have?” may open the discussion to more details about your loved one’s wishes.
•  Take advantage of funeral-related opportunities.
  Attending the funeral of a friend, family member or colleague or watching a movie or television show with funeral scenes may naturally prompt the discussion with your own loved ones. Talk about what you liked or didn’t like about the services you saw or attended.
•  Relieve the stress of difficult decisions. 
  Tell your children or loved ones that because you care for them so much, you don’t want to burden them with difficult decisions when you’re gone. Tell them you’ve made your own final arrangements, and give them a written record of what they are.
• Make it a family affair. 
  Schedule an appointment with us and invite your children along to participate in the selection of services, funeral merchandise and cemetery property. 

Whether you’re sharing plans for your own final arrangements with loved ones, or encouraging loved ones to make and share their plans with you, the conversation about planning ahead is an important one that every family should have. While no one wants to think about their death or the death of a loved one any sooner than they must, having the conversation in advance alleviates the need for potentially more unpleasant or difficult conversations in the future.

Koch Funeral Home is a lovely facility and the directors and staff are genuine and caring people.  We were impressed and grateful for the solace, courtesy, and professionalism of everyone at the Koch Funeral Home.
                                                                                                                                                                                               ~ The Knapp Family