FairHaven at the Y: Talking to YMCA Seniors about the Future

Last Thursday morning we were invited to speak to senior members of the Parkview Family YMCA. The presentation was entitled "Planning for the Future," and we were joined by attorney Charles Backs , a partner with Beers Mallers Backs & Salin , who spoke to the audience about estate planning, veteran's benefits and Medicaid planning.

Our part -- pre-arrangement funeral planning -- can seem like a sobering change of topic at first. It has weight and finality to it because it asks us to imagine a world without us. However, the alternative, leaving such decisions entirely to others, may be harder to accept for some people.

"If you're an organized person, someone who likes to have their affairs in order, you're going to be bothered by not having a final roadmap," Jill Jordan said. "It can be especially hard on surviving family." Jordan joined FairHaven last year and is a sensible advocate for getting the facts on preplanning.

Lisa Schenkel, who also helps client families at FairHaven, had this to say, "We advise people to give it some thought by listening to the benefits. The planning part is fairly straightforward and can give you and your family the clarity everyone needs and deserves to carry out your wishes."

Both Schenkel and Jordan are experienced, state-licensed pre-arrangement counselors. They are quick to point out that pre-arrangement planning has the added benefit of cost certainty and being able to pay on more relaxed terms over time. Most people don't realize that funeral charges are due on completion.

"Even if people choose not to act immediately, we think the education that goes with planning ahead is invaluable," Schenkel said. "We're open to those talks anytime. They're completely complimentary and there's absolutely no obligation."

FairHaven Funeral & Cremation Services is locally owned and operated. We're proud citizens of Fort Wayne, and we take an active role in making our community better. We also make sure families have affordable choices for laying to rest and remembering their loved ones. Contact us or browse our website to learn more.