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Planning Ahead Checklist
- Get the information you need to make informed choices about end-of-life care.
- Get to know end-of-life care services that are available to you such as hospice and palliative care providers by going to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization's website
- Discuss your thoughts, concerns and choices with your loved ones.
- Talk to your doctor about different treatments.
- Establish advance directives (a living will and medical power of attorney) for your state.
- Talk to your healthcare agent, family and doctor about your choices.
- Discuss your choices often, especially when your medical condition changes.
- Keep your completed advance directives in an accessible place.
- Give photocopies of the signed originals to your healthcare agent, alternate agents, doctor, family, friends, clergy and anyone else who might be involved in your healthcare.
- Assess your financial situation, create a financial inventory and determine what end-of-life goals you want to accomplish that involve money.
- Learn about the cost of end-of-life care, how medical bills and expenses will be paid for if you are not able to.
- Make financial decisions such as how you want to give your money and possessions to others upon your death.
- Prepare for the time when you cannot handle money matters; appoint a durable power of attorney.
- Plan your funeral/memorial service.
Download a state-specific living will or healthcare power of attorney
Free resources on a wide range of
end-of-life topics.
