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Planning for the future is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and your loved ones. By making important decisions now—while you are well and able to think clearly—you ensure that your wishes are honoured and reduce the burden on those you leave behind.
This principle applies equally to organ and tissue donation, a generous act that can save or improve the lives of many. The Alberta Health Services (AHS) Organ and Tissue Donation Program offers comprehensive information on becoming a donor and making your wishes known. We encourage you to visit their website at Alberta Health Services Organ and Tissue Donation to learn more or visit our page for a list of FAQ's. Critical documents, such as a personal directive, an enduring power of attorney, and financial plans—including your will and estate planning—are essential to protecting your interests and guiding your loved ones through difficult decisions. Advance care planning, which outlines your medical care preferences in the event you are unable to communicate, is equally important to ensure your health care choices are respected. To learn more about these essential documents and how they can safeguard your future, watch the PowerPoint video "The Four Critical Documents Every Albertan Needs". In addition to your legal and financial plans, it’s important to think about how your personal belongings will be handled. Dealing with cherished possessions and mementos is a deeply personal process that benefits from your thoughtful guidance and consideration. If you are an executor or personal representative, planning ahead is essential to effectively fulfill your responsibilities. These duties include managing the estate, settling debts and taxes, distributing assets, and ensuring the deceased’s wishes are respected. Our Checklist for a Personal Representative provides step-by-step guidance to help you navigate this process. To learn how to choose the right person for this vital role, visit our page on Selecting Your Personal Representative. Planning in advance can simplify this complex process and reduce stress for everyone involved. Repatriation insurance is a crucial consideration for travellers, offering coverage to return your remains home if death occurs while you're away. Without this insurance, the costs and complexities of transporting a loved one back to their home country can be overwhelming and incredibly expensive. Policies typically cover expenses such as embalming, transport, required documentation, and coordination with local authorities. CMS partner funeral service providers offer this insurance, with lifetime coverage available at an affordable rate. For frequent travelers or those venturing abroad, repatriation insurance provides invaluable peace of mind, ensuring that your final wishes are honored with dignity and minimal financial burden on your family. To make planning easier, CMS is in the process of compiling a list of Trusted Professionals who will provide preferred pricing to CMS members, helping you get your affairs in order with expert assistance and support. Take the time to plan ahead. We have included our Planning Ahead Checklist to guide you through the process. It brings peace of mind, knowing your loved ones will be guided by your carefully considered wishes. A Helpful Resource for CMS Members McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes offers a valuable guide, "Remembering a Life: What to Do When a Loved One Passes Away," to support families during the difficult time of loss. This booklet provides practical information and compassionate guidance, covering everything from initial arrangements to personalized service planning. It addresses common questions about burial, cremation, and green options while offering resources for managing legal and administrative tasks and accessing grief support. CMS members can benefit from this comprehensive resource, available online for easy access at calgaryfuneralhomes.com/remembering_a_life.html. |
Our Life Planning video features Diana Eaid, a retired social worker from Rockyview General Hospital in Calgary. As a strong advocate for the Cooperative Memorial Society (CMS), Diana shares valuable insights on the importance of planning ahead. Watch the video to learn more.
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