Planning as a compassionate act

AS a senior, you’ve likely spent your life thoughtfully raising a family, building a career and contributing to your community through careful, deliberate decision-making.

Unfortunately, many Australians approaching or beyond retirement age do not think to plan as effectively for the later stages of life, when some of the most important decision-making needs to happen.

Annie De Jong, CEO at Ballarat Cemeteries, is aware of the difficulties this can create for the families after a death has occurred.

“We often see families struggling to make difficult decisions while deep in grief over the loss of a loved one,” Ms De Jong said.

“Whether the death was sudden or impending, not having any clear instructions to follow makes the whole process so much more stressful for those left behind.”

Purchasing your final piece of real estate in a cemetery or planning end-of-life details may feel daunting, but it’s a meaningful way to support your loved ones after you’re gone.

“Having your end-of-life plans written down and shared with your family provides a clear path to what needs to be done,” Ms De Jong said.

“Families we see want to honour their loved one’s wishes and to do this, they need to know what those wishes were.

“For example, it may be purchasing a location in advance, deciding if they would prefer burial or cremation, or donation to science.

“If it is purchasing a location, this can be done in advance to reduce the financial burden on families.

“Making end-of-life plans isn’t just a financial or legal matter – it’s a compassionate act that spares your loved ones from emotional stress by making important decisions in advance.”

Pre-purchasing also has other benefits, including providing opportunity to secure a desired location so family members may be positioned together.

“As in life, families also like to be together in death,” Ms De Jong said.

“If there is a particular spot in our cemetery you really like, make an appointment to discuss your options now before it is too late.

“And if you are considering having your ashes interred in an existing grave, talk to us now so we can confirm it is possible and record your wishes.”

Another benefit of pre-paying for a location is creating a legacy for future generations of your family.

“By purchasing a location within Ballarat New Cemetery, you are helping keep that area beautiful and accessible, as well as ensuring future generations of your family have a central place to visit and remember – or discover – you.”

The New Cemetery will reach capacity in about 70 years, so it’s important for local families to start planning for the future.

“If you have generations of ancestors buried in Ballarat and would like to continue this tradition with your own family, we invite you to make an appointment with us to discover the many options available at our beautiful, botanical cemetery,” Ms De Jong said.