{"id":7103,"date":"2020-08-08T15:51:38","date_gmt":"2020-08-08T19:51:38","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.atyourbusiness.com\/blog\/?p=7103"},"modified":"2020-08-08T15:51:57","modified_gmt":"2020-08-08T19:51:57","slug":"how-to-get-your-affairs-in-order-your-end-of-life-planning-checklist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.atyourbusiness.com\/blog\/how-to-get-your-affairs-in-order-your-end-of-life-planning-checklist\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Get Your Affairs in Order: Your End-of-Life Planning Checklist"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Death is an inevitable part of life. We all know it, but we often don’t want to think about it. But, for the sake of our loved ones, it’s best to plan ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The average funeral is filled with decision after decision. For perspective, the FTC’s official funeral end-of-life planning checklist has over 25 different options<\/a> on it. That doesn’t even include other basics, such as pallbearers, floral arrangements, and so much more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To spare your grieving loved ones any unnecessary stress, creating an end-of-life plan is a smart thing to do. No matter what stage of life you’re in, it’s never too early to be prepared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But what are some of the things you should account for in your end-of-life plan? We’ve got some helpful tips to help you make sure you’ve got everything covered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read on for your complete end-of-life planning checklist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Why Create an End-of-Life Plan?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You might be thinking, “I’m in perfectly good health. Why do I need to think about my end-of-life planning now?” Well, it’s better to be prepared than to not be prepared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plus, it will give you a little peace of mind. No matter what happens, you’ll know your loved ones are covered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We’re not just talking about funeral arrangements, either. Let’s say you have a medical emergency and you cannot make your own medical decisions. Your loved ones will be left scrambling to decide what you would prefer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wouldn’t it be easier for everyone if you had everything determined beforehand?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An end-of-life planning checklist doesn’t have to be a grim topic. Instead, view it as your personal emergency plan. Think of it this way: we still have fire evacuation plans, even if our building isn’t in flames.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Preparedness is the best way to handle all aspects of your life; this includes your death as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your End-of-Life Planning Checklist<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We’ve briefly touched on some of the things that go into an end-of-life planning checklist, but let’s get down to specifics. Here is your complete list of what to consider for your end-of-life plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Specifying Medical Arrangements<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

An important item on your end-of-life planning checklist is your medical arrangements, even those that can happen while you’re still alive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Living Will, or Advance Directive<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

First of all, you’ll need a living will that contains your treatment wishes when you’re still alive. For example, you might specify that you don’t want to be put on life support. You should also include whether you’d like to become an organ donor if you pass away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your Healthcare Proxy<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Next, you’ll need to determine who has power of attorney to carry out your wishes. You might choose your spouse or significant other, or you can choose a close family member. This person is known as your “healthcare proxy.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are a few decisions your healthcare proxy could make on your behalf:<\/p>\n\n\n\n