While possibly not a subject you would expect to find in my book “Your Last Gift”, which is a practical guide to putting your affairs in order, I think that it is important for everyone, at least, to consider. This is not just because I am an ordained minister in the Church of England. Whatever your religious background, or none, there comes a time when any beliefs (or lack of them) you hold can usefully be questioned, even if you remain of the same mind. Certainly, I have found that the prospect of death is a time when people want to rethink these things. Of course, you may be what one might call ‘actively religious’ and your faith may well become increasingly important to you as the end draws nigh. Alternatively, if you have no faith or spiritual belief and believe that death is the end, you may wish to consider if that is indeed the case for you. Or, if you do have a religious faith background (whether Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Mormon or Jehovah’s Witness or something else), but haven’t made it an especially important part of your life, now might be a good time to talk to a spiritual guide or trusted friend to explore what that faith means for you and for those around you. It may touch on the way you pass your remaining time and, indeed, the arrangements you make for your funeral. Whether or not the above strikes a chord with you, you will probably not share Bob Hope’s view: “I do benefits for all religions. I’d hate to blow the hereafter on a technicality.” (Bob Hope, British-American comedian and actor, 1903-2003)
2. Lasting Powers of Attorney – and Medical Wishes
Mental incapacity, specifically dementia, is a sad fact of life for many people. Wherever you find yourself on the spectrum of life, I strongly recommend making a ‘Lasting Power of Attorney’ (LPA), which comes in two parts: • Property and Financial Affairs; and •...
