End-of-Life Planning

End-of-life planning is an important but often overlooked part of making sure people are prepared for the future. It’s not just about figuring out what happens after someone passes away, but also about deciding on the kind of care and comfort they want in their final stages of life. Lately, people have been talking more about Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID), and it’s important that we talk about this with empathy, so that everyone can make informed decisions. As of the most recent information, Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) is legal in 10 states and the District of Columbia in the United States. These states are: California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington. It might be hard to think about these topics, but doing so can make the end of life a lot better for everyone involved.

Earlier this year, a journalist for The New York Times from Canada shared a story about her mother, who chose to use MAID to end her life. Her mother had Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (A.L.S.), a disease that made it very hard for her to live the way she wanted to. In Canada, MAID is allowed not only for people with terminal illnesses but also for people who have serious, incurable conditions. The journalist wrote about her own thoughts and questions, as well as her conversations with Ellen Wiebe, a MAID provider in British Columbia. Through these conversations, she started to understand more about how MAID works and how it can help people who are suffering a lot to regain some control over their lives.

Dr. Wiebe is well known for her support of MAID in Canada and has helped many people through this process. She believes that people have the right to decide what happens to their own bodies, including when and how they die. As Dr. Wiebe says, “I feel honored that people trust me to help them through these difficult things that they’re going through, and that I can hand them that autonomy that they’ve lost.” This sense of control is really important for people who feel like they’ve lost all choice because of their illness.

There are a lot of different opinions about MAID. Some people worry that patients might feel pressured to choose MAID because they don’t want to be a burden to their families or because they can’t afford care. Dr. Wiebe knows that these are real concerns and works hard to make sure that patients are making their own choices for the right reasons. She shared a story about a patient who said, “The reason I want MAID is because I don’t want to be a burden to my family.” Dr. Wiebe looked deeper to make sure that this was not the only reason. The patient was also in a lot of pain and suffering, and this played a big part in his decision. She understands that feeling like a burden is complicated, so it’s important to look at the whole situation.

The journalist also talked about the difference between losing someone suddenly and losing someone who chooses MAID. When her mother chose MAID, it allowed them time to have important conversations, say goodbye, and be ready for what was coming. There wasn’t a sudden shock—just a sense of acceptance. The journalist felt that MAID let her grieve in a more peaceful way because she had time to prepare and say everything she needed to. In many cases, having this kind of preparation can make the grieving process a lot easier for families, and it helps them feel like they supported their loved one until the very end.

This aspect of MAID fits well with one of the goals of planning for the future: to help people make choices that reflect what they want, avoid unnecessary stress on their loved ones, and be as comfortable as possible. Making plans for end-of-life decisions, like MAID, is a part of making sure people can make the best choices for themselves and their families. Having this kind of control is important, even when a lot has already been lost.

It’s important to remember that these decisions are very personal. What feels right for one person might not be the best choice for someone else. Some people want to live every possible moment, even if they are suffering, while others want to decide when and how they die. There isn’t one correct answer, and the choice is very individual. As financial planners and advisors, our role isn’t to judge, but to provide support and information so that people can make their own decisions. This means listening to them, giving them the resources they need, and respecting their values, even if they are different from our own.

When talking about MAID with clients, empathy is very important. Many people have strong beliefs about whether these decisions are right or wrong. Financial planners can help clients understand their options—like long-term care, living wills, or, where it’s legal, medical aid in dying. The goal is to help individuals and families make well-thought-out decisions that fit with their values. This also means understanding the emotional and mental parts of these choices, and helping clients deal with their feelings.

End-of-life planning can help answer questions like: “What kind of care do I want in my final years or days?” “What kind of legacy do I want to leave behind?” “How do I want my loved ones to be cared for after I’m gone?” Thinking about these questions can give people both financial security and peace of mind. Knowing that they have made decisions that align with their wishes can help them feel more at ease, even during hard times. End-of-life planning can also reduce stress for family members, because they can feel sure that they are honoring their loved one’s wishes.

End-of-life planning is more than just making financial arrangements—it also means having legal documents like living wills, power of attorney, and advance healthcare directives. It includes talking to loved ones about values and what is most important. These conversations can be hard, but they are really important. They allow people to share their preferences about the type of medical care they want, whether they want aggressive treatments or just comfort care, and what quality of life means to them. Having these conversations ahead of time can prevent arguments or confusion among family members later on.

This is a sensitive topic, and financial planners need to handle it with care and without taking sides. Whether someone is thinking about MAID, palliative care, or other end-of-life choices, the focus should always be on helping them feel empowered to make their own decisions. Financial planning is about every part of life—from birth, growing up, and reaching goals, to eventually the end of life. By talking about these difficult questions, we help our clients plan for their future in a way that respects how they want to live—and, if they choose, how they want to die. This type of planning makes sure that clients can face the future with dignity, comfort, and a sense of control.

It’s also important to remember that the emotional parts of end-of-life planning are just as important as the financial ones. People are often scared to talk about death, but facing it openly can help bring relief. Families who have these discussions often find that they become closer because they better understand each other’s values and priorities. Financial planners can play an important role by helping start these conversations, giving information, and helping clients think about all the options available. Our goal is to help create a future where people and their families feel prepared, secure, and supported in all areas of life, including the end.

In the end, end-of-life planning isn’t just about what happens after someone dies—it’s about making sure that every stage of life is lived with purpose and respect for personal choices. It’s about being proactive and facing hard topics head-on. It’s about making sure that someone’s wishes are respected as much as possible. As planners, we have the privilege of helping our clients during these moments, giving them guidance and support during what can be a very difficult time. By thinking about these issues deeply, we can help our clients live and eventually pass away in a way that reflects who they truly are.

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/16/magazine/doctor-ellen-wiebe-maid-interview.html