Decisions made in haste or under pressure are most often not the best decisions. This is particularly true at the passing of a loved one. Given these circumstances it’s not unusual for families to purchase services or overlook things that would not have been in line with the wishes and values of the deceased.

“Things I Want My Family to Know: Advance Planning for Funerals” is a helpful overview of the many practical, immediate decisions that must be made when a person dies. The presentation also provides information and resources to help individuals consider all the details that face families at the time of death.

The presentation will be held two times in October:

Monday, Oct. 13:

12:10 to 12:50 p.m – Pierce County Annex Main Meeting Room (2401 S. 35th St. in Tacoma)

Tuesday, Oct. 14:

6:30 to 7:30 p.m. – King’s Manor Senior Living Community (8609 Portland Ave. E. in Tacoma)

“If we could make life easier for our families, why wouldn’t we?” asked Aaron Van Valkenburg, manager of Pierce County Aging & Disability Resources. “Some things happen without any way to anticipate.  But death is inevitable for all of us.  Doing some advance planning for our own death lifts a huge burden from the shoulders of our families. It’s a special gift for each person to think about final arrangements – what we want and what we do not want – including possible organ donation, funeral ceremony, final disposition, obituary and the like.

“Things I Want My Family to Know” will be presented by Pamela Maddess, a Family Services advisor at New Tacoma Cemeteries and Funeral Home. Participants will be provided a copy of the “The 86 Things to Do after a Death” as well as consumer protection materials from the Federal Trade Commission and other resources.

The workshop is an information-only presentation sponsored by the Pierce County Aging and Disability Resource Center. The event is free and open to the public. No RSVP is required. For more information call (253) 798-4600.