Thinking about “End of Life” can be difficult, but preparing for it is one of the most thoughtful gifts you can give to your loved ones. This information is designed to help you organize your final wishes, from funeral arrangements and personal messages to important details like bank accounts, insurance policies, and important contact information like your lawyer. By taking these steps, you can provide clarity and peace of mind for those you leave behind. No matter your age or health, it’s never too early to take control of your legacy and ensure your wishes are honored. This information empowers you to make these important decisions with confidence and care.
At the end of life, clear communication between the person dying and their caregiver can provide emotional comfort and practical guidance. Here are the important topics and details that should be shared:
1. “Living Will” also known as Personal Wishes and Preferences
Purpose: Specifies your wishes regarding medical treatment and end-of-life care if you become unable to communicate (e.g., due to terminal illness, coma, or severe injury).
When It Takes Effect: While you are still alive but incapacitated or unable to make medical decisions.
What It Governs:
Life-sustaining treatments (e.g., mechanical ventilation, CPR, artificial nutrition and hydration, pain management and comfort care, organ donation preferences, etc.)
Legal Focus: Healthcare decisions and preferences about your medical care.
Key Features:
Can include a healthcare proxy (medical power of attorney) who makes decisions on your behalf.
Ends upon death, at which point a last will and testament takes over.
2. “Last Will and Testament”
Purpose: Directs how your assets, property, and personal belongings should be distributed after your death. It can also name guardians for minor children and animals and specify funeral arrangements.
When It Takes Effect: After your death, following a legal process called probate.
What It Governs:
Distribution of money, real estate, and personal property.
Appointment of an executor to manage the estate.
Guardianship of minor children or dependents.
Instructions for paying debts, taxes, and expenses.
Legal Focus: Managing your estate and assets after death.
Key Features:
Must meet state-specific legal requirements (e.g., witnesses, notarization in some cases).
Requires probate, a legal process for validating the will and distributing the estate.
3. Financial Information
Bank Accounts
Bank Names: List of all banks or credit unions where accounts are held.
Account Types: Checking, savings, money market, or certificates of deposit (CDs).
Account Numbers: Include all relevant account numbers.
Access Information: Online banking usernames and passwords (use a secure method to share).
Charitable Donations
Charity Information: Details of any ongoing or planned charitable donations.
Endowments: Any financial contributions to specific causes or institutions.
Debts and Liabilities
Credit Cards: List of credit card accounts, issuers, and outstanding balances.
Loans: Details about personal loans, car loans, student loans, or any other liabilities.
Utilities and Subscriptions: A list of recurring bills, utilities, or subscriptions tied to your estate.
Digital Assets and Accounts
Online Financial Accounts: PayPal, Venmo, cryptocurrency wallets, or other digital financial platforms.
Login Credentials: Securely share usernames, passwords, and access instructions.
Digital Subscriptions: Any ongoing digital services tied to payment accounts.
Estate Planning Documents
Will: A copy of the will and location of the original.
Trusts: Copies and details of any trusts you have created.
Power of Attorney: Information on financial or medical power of attorney documents.
Income Sources
Employment: Final paycheck, severance, or unpaid benefits from current employer.
Social Security: Details about benefits and where they’re deposited.
Pensions/Annuities: Contact information and payout instructions.
Retirement Plan: Example FedEx/UPS
Insurance Policies
Life Insurance: Policy numbers, provider contact details, and beneficiaries.
Health Insurance: Include Medicare, Medicaid, or private health insurance information.
Property Insurance: Homeowners, renters, or umbrella policies.
Car Insurance: Policy details for vehicles.
Other Insurance: Long-term care or disability insurance policies.
Investments and Retirement Accounts
Brokerage Accounts: Information about investment accounts, including stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.
Retirement Accounts: Details for 401(k), IRA, Roth IRA, or other retirement plans.
Pension Plans: Contact information and any documentation about pensions or annuities.
Access Information: Account numbers, financial advisors, or brokerage firm contacts.
Real Estate
Property Deeds: Locations and copies of deeds for homes, land, or commercial properties.
Mortgage Details: Loan documents, outstanding balances, and payment schedules.
Rental Income: Details of any rental properties, tenants, or property management agreements.
Safe Deposit Boxes and Storage Units
Safe Deposit Boxes: Bank location, box number, and key.
Storage Units: Locations, access codes, and payment schedules.
Taxes
Tax Returns: Copies of the last few years’ tax returns for reference.
Tax Liabilities: Information on any unpaid taxes or ongoing disputes with tax authorities.
Accountant Contact: Name and contact details of your tax preparer or accountant.
Contact Information for Financial Professionals
Attorney: Name, phone number, and address of your estate lawyer.
Financial Advisor: Contact details for any advisors managing your investments.
Accountant: Information for your tax preparer or CPA.
4. Legal Documents
Will and Estate Plans: Share the location and content of their will, trusts, or other estate planning documents.
Power of Attorney: Ensure the caregiver knows if someone has been granted power of attorney for financial or medical decisions.
Contact Information: Provide the name and contact details of their lawyer, financial advisor, or executor of their estate.
5. Practical Information
Household Management: Share instructions for utilities, rent/mortgage, property deeds, or ongoing subscriptions.
Digital Accounts: Provide access to email, social media, or other online accounts, along with passwords, if they wish these to be managed or closed.
6. Funeral and Burial/Cremation Wishes
Funeral Arrangements: Share specific wishes for the funeral or memorial service, such as location, religious or cultural preferences, and music or readings.
Burial or Cremation: Clearly communicate preferences for burial, cremation, or other options, and any pre-paid arrangements.
7. Personal Messages
Goodbyes and Gratitude: Encourage the person to express their feelings, share memories, and offer gratitude to loved ones.
Legacy Notes: Suggest writing letters or recording messages for family members and friends to keep as mementos.
8. Medical and Health Details
Current Medications: Provide a list of medications and their purpose.
Healthcare Team Contacts: Share contact details for their primary physician, specialists, or palliative care team.
9. Important Relationships
Family and Friends: Clarify who should be contacted and informed about their passing, with up-to-date contact details.
Unresolved Issues: If possible, address unresolved conflicts or relationships they wish to mend.
10. Caregiver Support
Caregiver Instructions: Offer guidance on their personal care routine, dietary needs, and daily preferences.
Reassurance and Gratitude: Acknowledge the caregiver’s efforts and express appreciation for their role.
11. Spiritual or Emotional Wishes
Religious or Spiritual Preferences: Share wishes for last rites, prayers, or rituals that are meaningful to them.
Emotional Support: Discuss any fears or hopes they may have and how they would like support through the process.