Most people will resolve to lose weight or stop smoking when January 1st arrives. While those are certainly important, there is something else that we all need to give some consideration to. No one really wants to think about "End of Life" issues, but this planning is so important to your quality of life for every day of your life. Make this your New Year's Resolution to ensure that your medical, financial, and legal wishes are fulfilled during your final days - now - before you are actually there.

     Start end-of-life planning by thinking about your values and beliefs about the following issues:

Medical What-ifs

     Consider those "worst case" medical scenarios, such as an accident that leaves you in a totally dependent state or a gradual incapacitation from dementia. You'll want to consult with a physician to determine what care options are available and what you would need to do to prepare for such an eventuality. Without direction from you, physicians and relatives will follow their own guidelines to make medical decisions for you.

• Create a Medical Proxy to carry out your wishes. Your doctor and attorney will advise you and will have the forms on hand for you to complete.
• Learn about Hospice Care in your area and decide whether hospice is an alternative that you would like to employ should your medical condition warrant this type of care.

Financial Issues
     Talk with your financial advisor to determine income options when you are no longer employed.

• Speak with your attorney and accountant to discuss preparing a will and/or trust documents. Be sure to update these documents when changes occur, such as a divorce, remarriage, or when additional children or grandchildren join the family.
• Think about who you would want to be executor of your estate and discuss having a durable power of attorney drawn up in the event you are incapacitated in the future. Without this document, the court can appoint a guardian who may not follow your wishes.
• Discuss other advance directives with your attorney, including a Living Will or Directive to Physicians, a Power of Attorney for health care and a Do Not Resuscitate order.

My Funeral

     Talk to your funeral director about options and costs for funeral services.

• Discussing your options removes the burden from your spouse or other family members to plan a funeral during a time of grief and sadness without the benefit of knowing your wishes.
• Learn about ways to personalize your service so that it becomes a meaningful celebration of the life you've lived.
• Advance planning can include a pre-payment plan that meets a preset budget. 

Communicate your wishes.

     Make sure that your end-of-life wishes are communicated to others so they are aware of them and will respect them.

• Provide information about medical and/or long-term care insurance policies, advance funeral plans, and the legal documents you have regarding your end-of-life choices. Be sure your family knows where these documents are so they are easily accessible when needed.

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John and Ed Keohane (left) with Diane Paradis from Welspring Multi-Service Center and Dennis Keohane (right).

       "This year's Coat Drive was an absolute success," said John Keohane. We reached and exceeded our goal of collecting 250 gently-used children and adult coats for those in our communities in need."

     "My brother, Dennis, and I, along with the staff at our Quincy, Hingham, and Weymouth locations, were astounded by the generosity of our neighbors.   We want to again thank Dependable Cleaners which donated their services to dry clean all the coats we collected," he added.  

     Coats were distributed to the Interfaith Social Services in Quincy as well as the Weymouth Youth and Family Services in Weymouth and Wellspring Multi-Service Center in Hull.

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Keohane Funeral Home
Named Daffodil Days
     Coordinator for the Third Year!            

      Residents and businesses of Quincy and surrounding communities can again participate with us in the American Cancer Society's Daffodil Days by ordering daffodils and other Daffodil Days gifts by visiting our Web site and clicking on the Daffodils Days button. You'll see a list of beautiful items available in exchange for donations, including everything from fresh-cut daffodils to an adorable Daffodil Days Boyds® by Enesco® Bear.   

      "We've raised over $3,780 in the past two years and are hoping to bring our running total to over $6,000 with your help in 2013," said John Keohane. "Every dollar is so very important in fighting this disease. It seems that everyone knows someone affected by cancer. This is one very effective way to support the American Cancer Society.  For as little as $10 you can make a donation and give a bunch (or two) of daffodils to brighten someone's day!"  

     One of the American Cancer Society's oldest and most beloved fundraising programs since 1973, Daffodil Days has empowered people to help save lives from cancer by raising money and awareness to help beat the disease. By giving daffodils or other beautiful gifts to friends, family members, and even cancer patients, you're really giving hope and helping to save lives by supporting the American Cancer Society. Their on-going work helps people get well and stay well by finding cures, and by fighting back against a disease that takes too much.   

       Flowers will be delivered to Keohane Funeral Home in mid-March -- we will advise all donors of the exact date and times. Orders must be placed by March 1, 2013. Visit our Web site and click on the Daffodils Days button to donate today.

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     There are some important things that need to be done once the funeral is over and friends and relatives have left. Keep in mind that your funeral director is a great resource for you even after the funeral. He or she will be able to direct you to the appropriate professionals for guidance in all matters. 

• Obtain certified copies of the death certificate.  Your funeral director will help you do this and will recommend how many copies you will need for a number of legal and financial forms. 
• Locate the Last Will and Testament.   You will need the original; the court will not accept a copy. Contact your family attorney who is the likely holder of the original Will. Check your safe deposit box or in-home or in-office safe. Once located, it will need to be registered at the local probate office. Your attorney can do this for you.
• Search for essential financial documents. 
  Look through the files where important papers are kept for essential information on assets and liabilities: insurance policies, bank accounts, retirement accounts, investments, and loans. These documents will be needed to manage upcoming transactions and to notify financial providers. Contact your financial advisor.
• Notify insurance companies and file the appropriate claims.
• Apply for the appropriate death benefits. Your funeral director can help you file the necessary forms for social security, veteran's and/or pension benefits.
• Notify the Department of Motor Vehicles. You will need to transfer titles on all vehicles, including mobile homes and boats registered in the deceased's name.
• Talk with the deceased's employer.  This will be helpful in handling retirement plan distributions, employer-purchased insurance benefits, and unpaid vacation pay.
• Watch the mail.  Look for mail regarding an account or loan. Cancel magazine subscriptions and catalogs. Contact any organizations with which the deceased had a membership or subscription.
• Pay the bills.  Wrap up any outstanding liabilities and make any changes recommended by your attorney regarding the names on your utility, mortgage, credit cards, and car loans.
• Consult an attorney.  You may want to consult with an estate attorney to learn what else needs to be done on your behalf and with regards to your next income tax filings and possible estate tax payments.
• Notify your accountant or tax preparer.  Provide contact information to your accountant or tax preparer for your attorney and/or estate attorney so they can assist you as a team.
• Send thank you notes.  Contact those who sent flowers and donations or showed a special kindness. Your funeral director can provide thank you cards, if desired.
• Take some time for you.  Be sure to set aside time for you to reflex and relax. Be kind to yourself and don't try to get everything done at once. Put off making BIG decisions until you have had time to consider and consult with others.

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