End-of-Life Planning Resources
Comprehensive guides, checklists, and tools to help you plan for life's final transition with dignity and peace of mind.
Planning Guides & Checklists
Advance Directive Worksheet
Complete guide to documenting your healthcare wishes
Step-by-step worksheet to help you think through and document your preferences for medical care, including living will and healthcare proxy decisions.
End-of-Life Planning Checklist
Comprehensive checklist for complete planning
A thorough checklist covering legal documents, financial planning, funeral arrangements, and personal wishes to ensure nothing is overlooked.
Legacy Project Ideas
Creative ways to preserve your story and values
Inspiring ideas for creating meaningful legacies including memory books, video messages, ethical wills, and other ways to share your life story.
Funeral Planning Worksheet
Plan your memorial service and final arrangements
Detailed worksheet to help you plan your funeral or memorial service, including preferences for burial or cremation, ceremony details, and costs.
Important Documents Organizer
Keep all essential information in one place
Comprehensive organizer for passwords, account information, insurance policies, and other critical documents your loved ones will need.
Difficult Conversations Guide
How to talk with family about end-of-life wishes
Practical guidance for initiating and navigating sensitive conversations about death, dying, and end-of-life preferences with family members.
Legal & Financial Resources
Essential Legal Documents
Understanding what documents you need and why
- Living Will: Documents your preferences for life-sustaining treatment
- Healthcare Proxy: Designates someone to make medical decisions for you
- Financial Power of Attorney: Allows someone to manage your finances
- Will and Testament: Distributes your assets and names guardians
Financial Planning Considerations
Important financial steps for end-of-life planning
- Life Insurance: Review beneficiaries and coverage amounts
- Retirement Accounts: Update beneficiary designations
- Bank Accounts: Consider joint accounts or payable-on-death designations
- Funeral Costs: Pre-plan and pre-pay to reduce family burden
Family Support Resources
Caregiver Support Guide
Resources for those caring for a dying loved one
Practical advice for caregivers including self-care strategies, managing stress, and finding respite care options.
Talking to Children About Death
Age-appropriate guidance for difficult conversations
Helpful strategies for explaining death and dying to children of different ages, with scripts and activities to support understanding.
Grief and Bereavement Resources
Support for those who have lost a loved one
Information about the grief process, coping strategies, and local support groups for those navigating loss.
Educational Resources
Understanding the Dying Process
What to expect during the final stages of life
- Physical signs and symptoms
- Emotional and spiritual changes
- How to provide comfort
- When to call hospice or medical professionals
Hospice and Palliative Care
Understanding your care options
- Difference between hospice and palliative care
- When to consider these services
- How to find providers in your area
- What insurance typically covers
Helpful Organizations & Websites
Trusted resources for additional support and information
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
Find hospice and palliative care providers nationwide
Aging with Dignity
Five Wishes advance directive and planning resources
The Conversation Project
Tools for talking about end-of-life care
GriefShare
Support groups for those grieving a loss
National Institute on Aging
End-of-life care and planning information
Death Cafe
Community discussions about death and dying
Need Personalized Guidance?
While these resources provide valuable information, every situation is unique. Our death doulas can provide personalized guidance tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.