Talking about funeral cover with elderly family members can be touchy. It’s always uncomfortable to discuss death and its consequences, particularly with loved ones who might not want to think about it.
However uncomfortable the topic might be, it’s important to discuss funeral cover options. When the day comes that you eventually need it, you’ll be glad that you have it.
Here are some tips for how to approach this sensitive topic with elderly loved ones.
The Right Time and Place
The first thing you need to consider when approaching your elderly loved ones with the discussion of funeral cover is to choose an appropriate time and place for the conversation. You should have the discussion in a quiet and comfortable environment where your elderly family member feels at ease.
Avoid discussing the topic in the midst of an emotionally charged moment, such as an argument, at family gatherings, or when the family member is feeling unwell.
It’s important to frame the conversation in a casual yet meaningful manner, as it pertains to planning for the future.
Emphasise the Purpose
Make sure that the elderly family member understands that securing funeral cover is not about dwelling on death but about ensuring that their loved ones will not be burdened with unnecessary financial stress when the day finally comes. It’s equally important that you convey how much it would mean to the family to be able to provide the send-off they deserve.
Gently highlight the extent of the costs involved in burial, cremation, transportation, gravestones, coffins and funeral catering, among other things. This will give your elderly loved one a clearer idea of what their funeral might cost and how funeral cover could help alleviate the burden.
If possible, share real-life examples of families who have struggled to pay for a funeral due to a lack of preparation to reinforce the importance of being proactive.
Respect Their Wishes
Make sure to emphasise that the funeral cover will not violate their cultural or religious preferences for cremation or burial. Rather, it can be used to support and enforce their preferences.
Make sure that you do not impose your views on them but rather ask them openly about how they would prefer their funeral arrangements to be handled.
Show understanding when they express concerns, scepticism, or reluctance. Some older people might find it difficult to discuss such matters frankly. If necessary, allow the conversation to rest for a while with the commitment to revisit it at another time.
Provide Information
Before discussing funeral plans with your elderly loved ones, ensure that you can provide them with clear information on some of the preferred funeral cover plans, including costs and benefits.
Additionally, stand by them and offer assistance in reviewing policy paperwork and speaking with insurance brokers so that they do not feel overwhelmed or taken advantage of.
It’s also worth noting that if you are the policyholder, you can often add elderly family members to your existing coverage without needing to initiate a direct conversation with them. This allows you to provide them with peace of mind and financial security without causing unnecessary discomfort. But if the elderly family member is responsible for the policy, you will need to discuss it with them.
Here at Workerslife, we offer comprehensive and affordable funeral cover. Contact us today to find out more about our funeral cover and what it entails.