I have been helping families in the Tri-County area with end-of-life issues for over 25 years. I have been honored to serve many families on the worst day of their lives. Through these years, societal changes and changing family relationships have continued to become more challenging. When end-of-life comes, giving clear direction of your wishes, along with clear direction of who you’d like to act on your behalf, is critical. 

The simple solution to most of these issues is to plan ahead by assigning a Power of Attorney for Healthcare (POA). Many people believe that if you have a will that is sufficient, however, an executor that is named in the will does not have authority until after the estate is opened, which could take several weeks. One of the most important and compassionate choices you can make is to establish a Healthcare Power of Attorney. This document allows you to designate someone you trust to make medical decisions for you if you’re ever unable to speak for yourself due to illness, injury, or incapacity. From life support decisions to final disposition, your agent can carry out your values and beliefs with clarity. Without a clear directive, medical teams and family members might disagree with your care. A POA removes that ambiguity. 

In stressful situations, families may struggle with uncertainty. Having someone chosen in advance offers emotional relief and guidance. POA allows peace of mind to ensure your wishes are respected and prevents confusion or conflict for your loved ones. In families with multiple next of kin, choosing one healthcare agent to also make decisions about your final disposition—whether burial, cremation, or other arrangements—can prevent confusion and disagreements during an already painful time. 

This is becoming more and more of a challenge as a funeral director. Without clear direction, even loving families can face delays, emotional strain, or conflicting choices. Empowering someone with this responsibility doesn’t mean giving up control; it means planning with love and confidence. It’s about making sure your voice is heard, even if you can’t speak. 

You can consult with your attorney, your healthcare provider, or if you’d like to get your FREE Healthcare Power of Attorney, please give me a call at (309) 694-9831 to set up a time to visit. I am not an attorney and don’t provide legal advice but I can help guide you through the process of understanding and preparing a Healthcare Power of Attorney free of charge and help you and your family plan ahead to make sure your end-of-life wishes are followed faithfully and without question, so you can have peace of mind and your family can focus on healing.

Gary Deiters, owner of Gary Deiters Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 444 E. Washington St., East Peoria

If you have a question you would like Gary to answer in this monthly column regarding end-of-life decisions, please email it to us at [email protected].