A few notes can give your family a starting point. Leave anything you are unsure about open; this checklist does not require a purchase or a complete plan.
People and wishes
- Name one family contact and a backup, and agree who needs to be involved in decisions.
- Record religious, cultural and personal wishes, including anything you would prefer not to have.
- Note a comfortable budget range and which choices need a family discussion.
Keep the information easy to find
- Tell a trusted person where the latest notes and any existing agreements are kept.
- Keep provider contacts and contract references together. Avoid putting identity numbers or passwords in a shared checklist.
- Date your notes and review them when your wishes or family circumstances change.
If arrangements are needed now
- Gather any recorded wishes and existing provider agreements before agreeing to a new package.
- Ask the provider which steps are time-sensitive, which documents are needed and who will handle each task.
- Share one written summary with the family so that changes and costs do not get lost between conversations.
Questions to keep with your notes
- Who will keep the latest copy?
- Which decisions can wait until the family has more information?
- Is there an existing agreement to check before paying again?