Only 46% of older adults have completed an end of life planning checklist or advance care directive, according to recent studies. The majority of Americans simply haven’t gotten around to these critical preparations.

A survey reveals 62% of people without end of life documents admit they’ve been procrastinating, while 15% report they “did not know how” to complete the necessary paperwork. This planning gap creates substantial emotional and financial burdens for families. A private room at a nursing home in the DMV area costs approximately $164,250 per year, and 70% of people turning 65 today will eventually require some form of long-term care services.

Most individuals don’t anticipate becoming sick or disabled. Yet having a detailed end of life document checklist proves invaluable during emergencies and end of life situations. Advance care planning helps prepare for future medical decisions and communicates your wishes to family members.

Statistics show that in New York state, only 3 out of 10 eligible individuals receive hospice care, with the average patient getting just 17 to 19 days of service. By creating an end of life planning worksheet and reviewing it annually, you can ensure your wishes are respected and your family is prepared for future circumstances.

Table of Contents

Create Your End of Life Document Checklist

End of life planning benefits everyone, not just the elderly or ill. Having a complete end of life document checklist ensures your wishes are honored and protects your family from additional stress during an already difficult time.

List of essential legal documents

A thorough end of life planning worksheet requires several key documents that work together to safeguard your interests and communicate your intentions. These documents create the foundation of your end of life preparation:

Will/Last Will and Testament: This fundamental document outlines how your estate—property, money, and assets—will be distributed after death. It also covers care arrangements for minor children, adult dependents, and pets, plus funeral preferences.

Living Will: As part of your advance directives, a living will specifies your medical treatment preferences when you cannot communicate due to illness or severe injury. It provides essential guidance for physicians during emergency situations.

Durable Power of Attorney for Finances: This document appoints a trusted individual to handle financial decisions when you’re unable to do so. Without this document, your family must pursue court proceedings to gain authority over your finances.

Healthcare Power of Attorney: Also known as a medical power of attorney, this document names your healthcare proxy—someone authorized to make medical decisions when you cannot communicate. It’s commonly paired with a living will to create comprehensive advance directives.

Living Trust: This arrangement lets you place assets into a trust for your benefit during your lifetime, with instructions for their distribution after death. Unlike wills, trusts typically avoid the public probate process and offer additional protection for beneficiaries.

Additional Essential Documents:

HIPAA Release Forms: Allow your personal health information to be shared with designated individuals
Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order: States your wish to avoid CPR during cardiac or respiratory arrest
Life Insurance Policies: Provide financial support for beneficiaries and cover end-of-life expenses
Organ Donor Designation: Can be included in advance directives or registered with your local DMV
Funeral Arrangement Instructions: Documenting these wishes reduces family stress and ensures your preferences are followed

Where to store your end of life paperwork

After assembling your end of life document checklist, proper storage becomes vital. Your documents must be both secure and accessible when needed.

Best Storage Options:

Fireproof and Waterproof Home Safe: Provides excellent protection against damage while keeping documents readily accessible. Select a safe that cannot be easily removed during a robbery.
With Your Attorney: Many estate planning attorneys offer secure storage for original documents. This ensures professional oversight while maintaining accessibility.
Digital Storage Solutions: Consider encrypted files on:
- Cloud-based platforms like Dropbox, Google Drive, or Microsoft OneDrive
- Portable storage devices such as USB drives or external hard drives
- Document management systems designed specifically for record organization

Important Storage Considerations:

First, avoid storing documents in bank safe deposit boxes. Most banks require court orders to access these boxes after death, causing significant delays during an already stressful time.

Second, create duplicate copies of all documents to protect against damage or loss. Store physical copies in separate secure locations and maintain digital backups when appropriate.

Third, remember that some documents, like wills and advance directives, may not be legally recognized in digital form in certain states. Always keep original signed versions of these critical documents.

Finally, communicate clearly with your loved ones about your end of life paperwork. Ensure your trusted representatives know:

That your documents exist
What each document contains
Where these documents are located
How to access them (including keys, codes, or passwords)

Reviewing your end of life planning checklist annually ensures these critical documents remain current. Life events such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of children should prompt immediate updates to reflect your changing circumstances.

Set Up Medical and Health Care Directives

Medical decisions during critical illness require careful planning. Having comprehensive health care directives ensures your medical preferences are honored when you cannot communicate them yourself.

Living will vs. medical power of attorney

A living will and a medical power of attorney fulfill different but complementary roles in your end of life planning checklist.

A living will is a legal document detailing your specific medical treatment preferences when you cannot communicate. It activates only when you’re unable to make decisions and typically applies to terminal illness or permanent unconsciousness situations. This document addresses life-prolonging measures like resuscitation, mechanical ventilation, and tube feeding.

A medical power of attorney (also called a durable power of attorney for health care) names a trusted person to make health care decisions when you cannot. Unlike a living will that primarily covers end-of-life situations, your healthcare agent can make decisions in any circumstance where you’ve lost decision-making capacity.

Using both documents together provides the most thorough protection. Your living will guides your agent and medical team on your specific wishes, while your healthcare agent handles unexpected medical situations not covered in your living will.

Choosing a health care proxy

Your health care proxy becomes your voice when you cannot speak for yourself, making this selection particularly important to your end of life preparation.

The ideal proxy should be:

Someone you trust completely with your life
Comfortable discussing your medical wishes
Able to honor your preferences even under pressure
Capable of handling conflicting opinions from family members or doctors
Geographically accessible or willing to travel when needed

Most states require your health care proxy to be at least 18 years old. The American Bar Association recommends not choosing your healthcare provider, their spouse, facility employees, government agents financially responsible for your care, or anyone serving as proxy for 10+ other people.

After selecting your proxy, have a meaningful conversation about your values and preferences. This discussion should extend beyond simple checklists to build a deeper understanding of how you would approach various medical scenarios. Formalize this arrangement with a legal document, typically a durable power of attorney for health care, and make sure your healthcare team has a copy.

Understanding DNR and MOLST forms

Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders and Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST) forms provide specific directions for emergency and end-of-life care.

A DNR order becomes part of your medical chart, telling hospital or nursing facility staff not to attempt CPR or other resuscitation measures if your heart or breathing stops. Unlike advance directives, DNR orders don’t require witnesses or notarization—they only need your healthcare provider’s signature after discussing your preferences.

MOLST forms are comprehensive medical orders designed for patients with serious health conditions who might die within the next year. These bright pink forms are signed by physicians and remain valid across all healthcare settings—hospitals, nursing homes, and even at home.

The main advantage of MOLST forms is their comprehensive nature. They cover not only resuscitation preferences but also intubation, hospitalization, artificial nutrition, antibiotics, and other treatments. MOLST forms represent a significant improvement over standard DNR forms by providing specific instructions for multiple situations rather than addressing only one decision.

Adding these medical directives to your end of life document checklist provides clarity during critical moments and ensures your healthcare preferences are respected regardless of circumstances.

Organize Your Financial and Estate Planning

Financial matters typically create the most concern for families after a loved one dies. Organizing financial and estate planning documents stands as a critical component of any comprehensive end of life planning checklist.

Wills, trusts, and beneficiary designations

A will doesn’t control all aspects of your estate, contrary to what many believe. This document mainly governs tangible personal property such as jewelry and furniture, real estate, and assets without designated beneficiaries. Wills function as a “catch-all” to direct how these portions of your estate will be distributed.

Trusts operate as legal containers designed to hold money and assets for your heirs. When properly structured, a trust helps ensure your plan executes as intended and may protect your estate from entering probate. Common trust types include revocable living trusts, irrevocable trusts, and charitable trusts.

Beneficiary designations frequently override instructions in your will. These designations apply to specific assets including life insurance policies, retirement accounts (IRAs, 401(k)s), payable-on-death bank accounts, and transfer-on-death accounts.

These designations allow assets to transfer directly to named beneficiaries while bypassing the potentially costly and public probate process. This highlights the importance of reviewing beneficiary designations regularly—at least every few years or after significant life events like marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child.

Failing to update designations can result in assets going to someone other than your intended recipient. In many jurisdictions, a divorce doesn’t automatically revoke the designation of a spouse as beneficiary on a life insurance policy or retirement account.

Setting up a financial power of attorney

A financial power of attorney (POA) names someone to make financial decisions for you when you become unable to do so yourself. This document authorizes your agent to manage your finances within the scope you define.

Three primary types of financial POAs exist:

General financial POA – Grants your agent broad authority to handle all finances within state law limits
Limited financial POA – Outlines specific asset-related tasks your agent can perform
Durable financial POA – Remains effective even if you become mentally incapacitated

Creating a legally valid durable power of attorney requires properly completing and signing the appropriate forms. Most states require the document to be signed before a notary public, especially if real estate transactions may be involved.

Your financial POA automatically ends at your death and cannot give your agent authority to handle matters after you pass away, such as paying debts or making funeral arrangements. For these responsibilities, you must name an executor in your will.

When selecting an agent for your financial POA, choose someone you trust completely. This person should be at least 18 years old and of sound mind according to a health care professional. Consider their financial knowledge and reliability since they may handle tasks ranging from tax preparation to property management.

Updating your financial and estate planning documents should be part of your regular end of life preparation routine. Life events such as marriage, divorce, births, deaths, or relocating to another state should trigger reviews of your end of life document checklist. Otherwise, your carefully crafted plans may fail to fulfill their intended purpose.

Plan for Funeral and Burial Preferences

Funeral planning is one of the most frequently overlooked components of an end of life planning checklist. Arranging these details in advance spares your loved ones from making difficult decisions while grieving.

Types of funeral arrangements

Several funeral options are available, each with specific features and cost implications:

Traditional full-service funeral includes a viewing or visitation, formal funeral service, transportation to the cemetery, and burial or cremation. This option typically costs between $7,000 and $12,000, making it the most expensive alternative.

Direct burial takes place shortly after death without embalming or viewing services. The body is placed in a simple container and buried, often with a graveside service. This method costs substantially less than traditional funerals, offering a more affordable option for families.

Direct cremation occurs soon after death without embalming or viewing. The cremated remains are placed in an urn or container that families can keep, bury, or scatter. This represents one of the most economical choices, with costs typically ranging from $1,000 to $3,000.

Memorial service differs from a funeral service because the body is not present. It can take place after burial or cremation and functions as a celebration of life where family and friends gather to share memories.

How to document your wishes

Documenting funeral preferences provides clear guidance for your family and helps ensure your wishes are honored:

Create a detailed funeral plan specifying your wishes regarding:
- Service type (traditional, memorial, graveside)
- Burial or cremation preference
- Container preference (casket or urn)
- Location preferences
- Special customs or traditions
- Music, readings, or other personalization elements

A formal “Funeral Wishes” document can detail body donation, handling procedures, transportation preferences, casket bearers, burial location, and budget considerations.

While not legally binding in most states, these documented wishes provide valuable guidance. Your executor or appointed representative should understand your preferences and have access to this documentation.

Prepaying and budgeting for services

Funeral costs often create financial strain during an already difficult time. Average expenses include $6,000-$10,000 for funeral services, $1,000-$10,000 for a casket or urn, $1,000-$5,000 for a burial plot, and $2,000-$5,000 for a memorial service.

For prepayment options, consider:

Trust-based prepayment plans where your payments go into an interest-bearing account. Note that funeral homes may only be required to deposit 60-70% of your payment and can retain 10% or more for administrative fees.

Pre-need insurance functions as a specialized whole life insurance policy specifically for funeral expenses. These can be paid through installments or a one-time cash premium.

Prepaying offers both advantages and potential drawbacks:

Benefits include inflation protection, peace of mind for family members, and the ability to document personal wishes.

Potential drawbacks include uncertainties if the funeral home goes out of business, limited transferability if you relocate, and funds being unavailable for other needs.

As an alternative to prepaying, consider establishing a Payable on Death (POD) account through a traditional bank specifically designated for funeral expenses, which avoids probate.

Including funeral planning in your end of life document checklist provides clarity during a difficult time and ensures your final wishes are respected.

The Essential End of Life Planning Checklist: What Every Family Must Know

Use Digital Tools for End of Life Preparation

Technology now provides efficient solutions for organizing and securing end of life planning materials, reports the National Institute on Aging. Digital tools are making it easier to create, store, and share important documents with family members and medical providers.

Online storage for end of life documents

Digital storage offers significant advantages compared to traditional paper filing systems.

Secure Digital Vaults use bank-level encryption to protect sensitive information while giving users control over document access. These platforms serve as central repositories for wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives.

Multiple digital vault providers now compete in the market, helping users organize both financial and personal information. These services store critical information including the location of legal documents, banking details, mortgage information, and investment records.

When evaluating digital storage options, experts recommend considering several key factors:

Security measures: Bank-level security and third-party security certification are essential
Privacy controls: Strong privacy settings should allow control over who sees specific information
Data portability: Users should be able to export data if the company changes ownership
Accessibility: Platforms should permit access from multiple devices and locations

It’s worth noting that many states don’t legally recognize electronic versions of wills and estate plans. Original signed documents should always be maintained alongside digital copies.

Apps and platforms for estate planning

Several specialized applications have emerged to simplify end of life preparation:

Everplans enables users to create, organize, and securely share legal, financial, and health information. The platform provides encrypted storage and user-controlled information sharing. It prompts users to address often-overlooked details like phone passwords and automatic payment arrangements. Annual cost: $75.

Legado offers a web platform for organizing documents, information, and wishes related to end-of-life care. The service simplifies complex planning decisions and provides an alternative to paper-based planning with secure sharing options.

MyDirectives delivers a free service for creating digital advance directives valid in all states. The platform encrypts and stores these directives, making them accessible to medical providers anywhere.

CARE-IT, developed by Stanford physicians, includes three components: Learn (educational materials), Record (documentation of care preferences with legal standing), and Share (family and provider information sharing).

Some digital platforms provide additional services beyond document storage:

Directive Communication Systems assists with account resolution after death, charging $175 for the first year and $50 annually thereafter, plus a $600 flat fee for account resolution
Legacy Concierge combines data storage with account resolution services upon death, offering annual subscriptions at $75 or lifetime memberships at $750

For social media accounts, most major platforms now provide options for account memorialization or deletion after death. Including these preferences in an end of life document checklist ensures digital presence is managed according to personal wishes.

Incorporating digital tools into end of life preparation creates a comprehensive system that simplifies document organization while providing peace of mind for families.

Review and Update Your Plans Regularly

End of life planning isn’t a one-time task but an ongoing process that requires regular attention. Your documents should evolve as your life circumstances change.

When to revisit your end of life planning worksheet

Experts recommend reviewing your end of life documents at least once each year. This annual review ensures your paperwork reflects your current wishes and circumstances. Some professionals suggest a more comprehensive evaluation of your estate plan every three years. For advance directives specifically, checking them approximately every decade is advisable, especially as you enter different life stages.

Setting calendar reminders for these reviews helps maintain current documentation. Mark an annual date—perhaps your birthday or the start of a new year—to examine your end of life preparation documents. This systematic approach prevents your plans from becoming outdated.

Reviewing doesn’t necessarily mean completely rewriting your documents. Often, it simply confirms that your existing plans still align with your wishes. If changes are needed, contact your attorney or use appropriate forms to update your paperwork.

Life events that require updates

Certain pivotal moments should trigger immediate reviews of your end of life document checklist, regardless of your regular schedule:

Family changes: Marriage, divorce, separation, or becoming widowed necessitates updates to beneficiary designations and healthcare proxies
New additions: Birth or adoption of children or grandchildren often changes how you want assets distributed[242]
Health developments: New diagnoses, especially terminal conditions, may alter your treatment preferences
Financial shifts: Receiving an inheritance, purchasing major assets, or experiencing significant financial changes warrants review[242]
Death of key individuals: If your designated healthcare proxy, power of attorney representative, or executor passes away, immediate updates are crucial
Relocation: Moving to another state may affect the validity of certain documents due to different state laws

When updating documents, create new versions rather than modifying originals. Distribute updated copies to relevant parties, including healthcare providers, and destroy outdated versions[232]. This practice ensures everyone has access to your current wishes.

Your end of life planning reflects your life journey. As your life changes, your documents should too.

Conclusion

End of life planning represents one of the most important steps individuals can take for their families. The evidence is clear—54% of older adults lack advance directives, primarily because they’ve procrastinated or didn’t know how to complete the necessary documents.

A complete end of life document checklist includes several essential components. Wills direct how property will be distributed, while living wills outline medical treatment preferences. Powers of attorney for healthcare and finances designate trusted individuals to make decisions when you cannot. Proper storage of these documents—whether in fireproof safes, with attorneys, or in digital vaults—ensures they remain both secure and accessible when needed.

Medical directives provide crucial guidance during critical illness or incapacitation. Living wills specify treatment preferences, while healthcare powers of attorney appoint someone to make medical decisions on your behalf. DNR orders and MOLST forms offer additional protection by documenting specific wishes regarding life-sustaining treatments.

Financial planning through wills, trusts, and beneficiary designations protects assets and simplifies inheritance processes. A financial power of attorney ensures someone can manage your finances if you become unable to do so.

Funeral planning, though frequently overlooked, spares families from making difficult decisions during their time of grief. Digital tools have made organizing and storing these documents more convenient, though original signed copies should always be maintained for legal purposes.

Life changes constantly, making regular reviews of end of life documents essential. Annual assessments and immediate updates after significant life events—marriage, birth of children, relocation—ensure your plans remain current and effective.

The statistics about nursing home costs ($164,250 annually in the DMV area) and long-term care needs (affecting 70% of people turning 65) underscore the importance of proper planning. By creating comprehensive documentation of your wishes, you provide clear guidance for loved ones and ensure your preferences are respected when you can no longer communicate them yourself.

FAQs

Q1. What essential documents should be included in an end of life planning checklist? A comprehensive end of life planning checklist should include a will, living will, durable power of attorney for finances, healthcare power of attorney, and living trust. Additional important documents are HIPAA release forms, DNR orders, life insurance policies, and funeral arrangement instructions.

Q2. How often should I review and update my end of life plans? It’s recommended to review your end of life plans at least once a year. However, you should also update your documents immediately after significant life events such as marriage, divorce, birth of children, major health changes, or relocation to another state.

Q3. What are the differences between a living will and a medical power of attorney? A living will outlines your specific preferences for medical treatments in end-of-life situations, while a medical power of attorney appoints someone to make health care decisions on your behalf when you’re unable to do so. Both documents work together to ensure your medical wishes are respected.

Q4. How can digital tools assist with end of life preparation? Digital tools offer secure storage solutions for important documents and specialized applications that simplify the process of creating, organizing, and sharing crucial information. Some platforms provide encrypted vaults for storing wills, trusts, and healthcare directives, while others help create digital advance directives or manage social media accounts after death.

Q5. What should I consider when planning for funeral and burial preferences? When planning for funeral and burial preferences, consider the type of service you want (traditional, direct burial, cremation, or memorial), document your specific wishes, and explore prepayment options. It’s also important to communicate these preferences to your family and include them in your end of life planning documents to ensure your final wishes are respected.