It is difficult to put into words the stress involved when a loved one receives a terminal diagnosis or diagnosis of dementia. The mind reels at the prospect of losing someone you love. While we know this creates a great deal of stress and sadness, it can be comforting to know how the person wants to be remembered. You may be able to involve the individual in going through photos and sharing memories that can make future services meaningful and heartfelt for those who attend. Let’s look at how you can move forward with planning a meaningful service in advance when your loved one receives a terminal diagnosis.

Share Memories Together

If you want to make your loved one’s day, get out some old photo albums and talk about what was happening in the images and in their life. When a person has dementia, they may be better equipped to remember the good old days than what they did yesterday. Sharing memories together can be a joyful experience, and it can bring unique images to your attention. Those photos can be shared in a thoughtfully crafted display. While you look at images, you can also play their favorite music from years past to see what songs they enjoy. Their playlist could be on the speakers during a viewing or visitation, or certain songs could be played before or during their services.

Peace of Mind

If your loved one is able to discuss their wishes for cremation or burial, it will provide peace of mind to plan services in advance. By supporting them in pre-arranging their services, you will know their wishes are being fulfilled. In addition, pre-arranging services can include prepaying for services, easing the mind and providing an affordable approach.

Meaningful, Personalized Services

An experienced funeral director can guide your family in making pre-arrangements that reflect the person’s life. Let our experts assist in creating a healing experience for those who attend the services. Through videos, photos, hobby displays, music, flowers, and more, we can help create a service that leaves guests with warm, loving memories. This can take the focus off of their illness and onto the positive aspects of how they lived their life. When your family is in the right frame of mind, preplanning can even be a joyful process.

A diagnosis of a terminal illness or dementia makes every day more precious. If you are in this situation, know that millions of others are experiencing the same at this very moment. We hope you can spend as much time as possible enjoying each and every moment you spend together.