Funeral planning is a sensitive topic to discuss. However, it’s a meaningful conversation you should have with your parents. Many details go into coordinating a funeral service, and knowing your loved ones’ wishes can help ease stress during the grieving process. Unfortunately, many families avoid this conversation because they don’t know how to bring it up. Below are a few methods to help you start an open and honest dialogue about end-of-life arrangements.

How to Discuss Funeral Planning With Elderly Parents 

1. Choose the Right Environment

To ensure positive and productive communication about funeral planning, you should approach the subject appropriately. You want to be in a comfortable setting with your parents, where there are minimal distractions so that everyone can focus. As such, a family reunion or holiday dinner isn’t the right time to talk about intimate and delicate matters. If there are other people, such as siblings, who should be a part of the discussion, make sure you give them the chance to be present. This will help prevent future conflict and misunderstandings. 

2. Explain the Significance

You should remain honest with your loved ones when conversing about their final wishes. Be clear with your intentions, so they can understand why this talk is essential. Explain that you want to make sure their life is celebrated and appropriately honored, and planning allows them to control the arrangements. Also, let them know your family will mourn and provide each other comfort easier without figuring out what their preferences would have been. 

3. Ease Their Stress

Your parents are more likely to open up and verbalize their wishes if they feel relaxed during the conversation. While you should find out the fundamentals, such as whether they prefer burial or cremation, what type of service will best reflect their lifestyle, and if they have arrangements to handle the expenses, you don’t want to overwhelm them. Don’t pressure your parents to give you all the answers immediately. Remember that they may need to think about these details, and the discussion can be ongoing until after you make all the preparations. 

If your elderly parents are ready to begin funeral planning, turn to Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home for compassionate guidance. They can help your family work out the specifics of a full-service funeral or make arrangements for cremation. They have been providing residents in the Sparta, WI, community with many high-quality options to fit every client’s budget and unique goals. Call (608) 269-6666 to speak with a friendly staff member, or visit them online for more information on their preplanning services.