Discussion»Questions»Death and Dying» When you die, how long do you think it would take for someone to realize somethng is wrong and go looking for you
My husband and I have plans to exit life before the worst of old age claims us. But before then it is possible that I could have a fatal accident with the tractor while out slashing the grass on the hills, or be bitten by a brown snake, or struck by lightning (nearly 800 strikes recorded in 8 hrs last week during a storm - the iron in the ancient volcanic soils draws the strikes.) If this happened it could take several hours before my husband would come looking. Normally, I am not out for more than three to five hours at a stretch, but he is often busy with his own affairs, so it would take a while for him to notice and wonder. Then he would panic, and once he found me I don't think he would cope well. Thank you for writing this question. I'm going to write a few sets of contingency plans, put one copy where he can always find it, and give the others to his and my friends.
We have no family left, so our friends know our plans. We have written up our wills, our Advanced Health Directives, and appointed the various functionaries - but I'd never thought about that moment, of possible discovery in an accident or emergency -- the transition time between discovery and when the legal documents kick in. We have no family left, so our friends know our plans. Ari would definitely need specific friends he'd feel comfortable to call in an emergency - ones who live nearby.
It's the truth. We never know when the unexpected might happen.
This post was edited by Benedict Arnold at December 24, 2016 9:14 AM MST
You have quite a few plans in place now. People don't really like to think anout these kinna things, but it's pretty important to have all your ducks in a row, so to speak.
It's true. People evade and procrastinate facing the possibilities of what is actually inevitable. When I worked in aged care, I saw what happens when people don't specify their wishes. Usually it leads to bitter quarrels between relatives over what should be done for the helpless elder, and who has the right or responsibility. If there have been ancient resentments and injuries, the younger generation often swarm like crows around the property and seek revenge. When it gets really bad, bureaucracy and law steps in and takes over, and all choices are removed.
I totally agree. Even with directives, it doesn't prevent "swarmers" or those that want to run the "show" themselves. I know from experience.
Yes, it's always better to have directives, than not, as long as people realize it's not foolproof. It's quite possible it may not go according to the deceased's wishes. I'm not sure how that can be avoided in the event greedy relatives behave more like vultures than decent people.
Seriously? I live by myself (for now) and no one drops by all that much. My friend, Cindy would notice, but she calls here a lot and I don't answer. People know I am kind of a hermit when I am at home. And I smell like flowers.
I sincerely hope my signs of decay take a bit quicker to be spotted. Hm, after 6 months of waiting for his sandwhich he finally gives that rotting carcass a prod with a stick .. and it owes money..
I live in the country with no close neighbors, at least close enough to notice.
I have my regular bills on auto pay, and I have auto deposits, so no bill collectors are gonna be knocking at my door. Uh oh, sounds like I better start thinking of a plan sooner rather than later. Lol.
You have traded security for convenience. The security of a built in alert system in the event you should be missing or incapacitated is lost. The alert for when the money is gone is still there.
Benedict Arnold 