End of Life Checklist
7 minute read
As life nears its conclusion, thoughtful preparation becomes crucial for individuals and their families. This article introduces an end-of-life checklist designed to help you navigate this challenging task. Focusing on practical guidance, this checklist aims to ensure that legal, financial, and healthcare matters are appropriately addressed. By adopting a comprehensive approach, individuals can make informed decisions, communicate their preferences, and facilitate a smoother transition for themselves and their loved ones.
What Is Included in an End of Life Checklist?
An end of life checklist includes a range of topics, including:
- end of life planning documents
- end of life housing arrangements
- designating beneficiaries
- choosing an executor
- recording important information for loved ones
- funeral pre-planning
- reviewing insurance policies
- communicating your wishes to loved ones
- writing your obituary
End of Life Checklist (Step by Step Guide)
Here is a comprehensive, step by step guide to planning for your loved one's end of life:
1. Draft End of Life Planning Documents
Family Trust vs Will
Consider whether you’d prefer a family trust or a will. There are pros and cons to both, so consult a lawyer for help in determining which is more suitable given your situation and objectives.
Advanced Directive
An advanced directive is a document that allows individuals to express their healthcare preferences and instructions in advance of a time when they may no longer be able to make those decisions themselves. You are not legally required to involve a lawyer in the drafting of an advanced directive, but involving your family and clinician in its preparation and keeping it updated is a good way of ensuring that your wishes are respected and followed.
In New Zealand, advanced directives are not the appropriate document in which to include a person nominated to make decisions for you in the event that you lose competency. If you wish to nominate such an individual, consider making them your enduring power of attorney.
Enduring Power of Attorney
An enduring power of attorney is a legal document that sets out who can make decisions for you in the event that you lose capacity to do so yourself. These decisions can regard your property, personal care, or welfare. It is your choice whether the enduring power of attorney will allow them control over all decisions, or only some.
The "enduring" aspect of the power of attorney means that it remains in effect even if you become mentally incapable of managing your own affairs. This is in contrast to a regular power of attorney, which generally becomes invalid if you become incapacitated.
To nominate an enduring power of attorney, consult with a lawyer or trustee corporation. They can explain in more detail what it would mean for you.
Organ and Tissue Donation
There is no official donor register in New Zealand. If you wish for your organs or tissue to be donated in the event of your death, you can draft a document detailing these wishes. Such a document should be witnessed. You can also contact the NZ Transport Agency and inform them of your wish to have “DONOR” printed on your driver license, if it is not already. They can also record your organ donation preference in their database without issuing a new driver’s license that shows your new choice.
Because your family will be asked whether they agree with the organ and tissue donation, it is important that you discuss your wishes with them. Doing so will make it more likely that your wishes will be adhered to in the event of your death.
2. Make End of Life Housing Arrangements
Discuss with loved ones your preferences for where you’d like to spend your last years. If you’d like to stay at home, make that known to your family.
Consider whether any modifications need to be made to your home to improve quality of life (ramps, stairlifts, handrails, etc). If you need help paying for those modifications, the government may be able to help. Contact your doctor, who will refer you to a Ministry of Health (MOH) Equipment and Modifications Services (EMS) assessor. They will make an assessment of your home and if necessary, recommend modifications, and help you apply for government funding for it.
Consider also whether any home nursing care is needed, or whether you’d like to transition into an assisted living facility such as a rest home or a retirement village. Research your options when considering which arrangements align best with your preferences.
Discuss with your financial advisor and loved ones how best to pay for any of these changes.
3. Designate Beneficiaries
Designate beneficiaries for your retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and other assets. Make sure to keep these designations up-to-date as your life circumstances change.
Keep in mind that any beneficiary should not witness the making of the will. If they witness the will, they and their spouse may lose their entitlement under the will.
4. Choose an Executor
Your executor will manage your estate after your death and ensure that your wishes are carried out. They must be 18 years of age or older and have the mental capacity to perform the role.
Because of the importance of the role and its difficult and time consuming nature, as well as the legal liability involved, choose someone that you both trust and know to be capable. Make sure to discuss your wishes with your chosen executor and provide them with a copy of your will.
5. Write Down Important Information
Write down the following information, and make sure you communicate to loved ones the locations of such information:
Passwords
Write down all passwords and access details for any devices, social media accounts, emails, bank accounts, brokerage accounts, safe deposit boxes, or other service providers.
Contact Details
Write down all contact details of friends, loved ones, doctors, employers or other relations. Doing so will facilitate the communication of any serious health changes or your passing to others. If there are individuals or organizations which you do not wish for your information to be shared to, write this down as well.
Financial Records
Write down all important information regarding any assets and liabilities, business interests, bank accounts or brokerage accounts held, or insurance providers. This will help ensure that your will or family trust is properly adhered to.
Billers and Service Providers
Write down any important information pertaining to billers and service providers and due dates, if necessary.
Location of Important Documents
Write down the location of any important documents such as your will, trust documents, passports or birth certificates, advanced directives, organ and tissue donor documents, or enduring power of attorney documents.
6. Consider Funeral Pre-Planning
Consider including a funeral plan for your loved ones to follow, and discussing your wishes with them. A funeral plan can be as simple or as detailed as you'd like. Maybe you'd just like to let them know your choice regarding cremation or burial. On the other hand, maybe you'd like to leave detailed instructions regarding floral arrangements, invitees, music, or structure of the ceremony. The choice is yours.
If you need a coffin, you can choose from your local funeral home or a reputable merchant like Noble Coffin. Our selection of coffins and caskets are available for browsing and purchase anytime, from the comfort of your own home (plus, you'll enjoy unmatched quality, pricing, and service!)
Whatever you decide, know that planning ahead and leaving instructions for your loved ones can help ensure both that your needs are met, and that the burden is somewhat eased for your loved ones during what will be an emotionally challenging time.
7. Review Your Insurance Policies
Review your life insurance and other insurance policies to make sure you have adequate coverage. Consider purchasing long-term care insurance if you are concerned about the cost of nursing home care in the future.
8. Communicate With Loved Ones
Always communicate with your loved ones about your end of life wishes. Make sure they know what you want and where important documents are located. You may also want to provide them with a copy of your will, advanced directive, and other important documents. Ensure that your enduring power of attorney and executor are aware of your wishes.
By taking the time to plan ahead, you can help ensure that your end of life wishes are respected and that your loved ones are taken care of after your death. Remember to update your plans as your life circumstances change.
9. Write Your Obituary
By writing your own obituary, you have the opportunity to share your life story from your perspective and spare your loved ones from this emotional task. Your obituary can be straightforward and factual, or offer humor, wisdom, and inspiration. It's entirely your choice.
If you need help writing an obituary, consider reading our guide on How to Write an Obituary. Included in that guide is an obituary template for your inspiration.