The Caregiver’s Cheat Sheet to:
End of Life Planning
(For when you just need a quick checklist to get your ducks in a row.)
The Caregiver’s Cheat Sheet to:
Nobody’s particularly excited to tackle end-of-life planning. But getting organized now can ease the stress later, when there will already be enough to carry. Future-you is giving current-you a big hug.
The Paperwork Stuff
Advance directive / living will. What care they want (and don’t want)
Beneficiaries updated (life insurance, retirement, bank accounts)
Financial power of attorney. Who handles the bills and accounts if they can’t
Healthcare proxy / medical power of attorney. Who makes the medical decisions if they can’t
Will or trust
The Medical Side
Talk with your loved one about what they want (and don’t). Make sure their advance directive still matches, and that their doctors have a copy.
Ask about hospice and palliative care, including who manages comfort meds
DNR or POLST forms if that’s their choice (medical orders for end-of-life care choices)
Money & Logistics
List all bills & accounts (include logins & due dates)
Insurance check (life, burial, VA benefits)
Funeral or memorial preferences (where, how, music, donations)
Prepaid arrangements (plots, cremation, etc.)
Home & Legacy
Comfort must-haves: favorite blanket, rituals, music, scents
Letters, videos, messages for loved ones
Digital legacy plan. Confirm what happens to social accounts, email, photos
Pet plan
After the Passing
Order death certificates (10–15 copies) from funeral home or county office
Notify Social Security (funeral home may do this, but confirm)
Pension / retirement benefits: call plan administrator, send death certificate, ask about survivor benefits
Banks / financial institutions: close or transfer accounts
Insurance companies: file claims (life, health, auto, home)
Employer / union (if retired member): check for survivor or funeral benefits
Utilities & subscriptions: cancel or transfer (phone, internet, streaming, gym)
Return medical equipment (oxygen tanks, beds, etc.)
Obituary / announcements: newspaper, funeral home, or family post
Keep all of this in one folder (physical or digital).
When the time comes, you’ll be glad it’s not scattered in six junk drawers.
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