End Of Life Planning Workbook 

There are many ways to manage the end of life process, grief, and goodbyes, and the path you follow is personal and individual to you and your loved ones. One essential step you’ll want to take at this time, however, is the collection and development of your end of life planning workbook, a chance to put all the essential information into one place, so you can focus on the things that really matter. 

What Is An End Of Life Planning Workbook? 

An end of life planning workbook (at Lantern, we call it an end of life plan) is the compilation of your important documents, data, and treatment plans. It’s designed to give you peace of mind as you begin the next step of your journey and to make the process easier for those caring for you before and after goodbye. With an end of life planning workbook, you’ll have greater control over what happens next, and you’ll know you’re leaving loved ones with the tools and information they need to fulfill your wishes. 

It’s worth noting that you can develop your End of Life Planning Workbook at any time and update it as your life changes. The goal of the workbook is to give you and your loved ones comfort in the event that something should happen to you, so consider updating or creating your workbook as you develop your will. 

What Should I Include In My End Of Life Planning Workbook  

Your End of Life Planning Workbook should be unique to you and your needs. As with a will, you’ll want to update it regularly as your life and important information changes and evolves. There are a few things you’ll want to include in your workbook. Below are some things to consider including. You can create a Lantern plan for step by step guidance and to store all of this information in one place. 

Essential Information 

In the modern day, a lot of our information is stored electronically, which can make it challenging to access or find after we have passed. It’s important for our loved ones and family members to have access to our online information. Here are a few essential things you’ll want to note: 

Bills: If you pay your bills online or if your bills are automatically paid from your bank account, it’s important to write down the accounts and provide the information needed to turn the accounts off when the time comes. Bank account information, utilities, rent, car payments, and others are all important to note. 

Passwords: You likely have a password to get onto your computer or mobile phone, as

well as passwords for websites you frequent and email accounts. It’s a good idea to utilize a password storage tool, like 1Password, and update it regularly to make it easier for your loved ones to access the information they need to close accounts and communicate with businesses on your behalf. 

Social Media: There are new rules when it comes to loss, grieving, and social media. You may want to speak with your loved ones about how you want your social media accounts to be managed after your passing. Some accounts can be left open in order for friends and family to maintain a connection after passing, so it’s a good idea to make your feelings about the topic known. You’ll also want to ensure that your access codes and passwords for those accounts are available.  

Work and Creative Ventures: If you are self-employed or sell online, it’s important that your loved ones have what they need to inform clients and customers of the next step in your journey. Keep an updated list of how to access any online stores you sell through and to speak to clients about any open projects or orders. Contact information and access to the company’s website are very helpful. 

End Of Life Care 

Discussing end of life care can be very challenging for you and your loved ones, but it’s an essential step in ensuring your wishes are followed and that everyone is comfortable with the process as it unfolds. 

While you’ll want to sit down and discuss end of life care in person with those who will be taking it over on your behalf, it’s important to have your wishes written down, as well. This will help ensure that they are followed and that those in charge are not questioned. Here are a few notes you’ll want to make about end of life care: 

Life-Sustaining Measures: There are many ways life can be sustained, thanks to modern medicine and technology. Sometimes, however, that comes with difficult choices. Consider your options, speak with your healthcare professionals, and take time to think about how far you want life-sustaining measures to go when it comes to end of life care. 

Who Advocates for You: Deciding on the healthcare agent or surrogate who will ensure your wishes are respected is a challenging and essential step toward finalizing your care. It’s important to pick someone you trust and someone who will follow through with your requests, even when it can be personally difficult. Communicate with that person regularly, and be sure to write them officially down in your end of life planning workbook to avoid future complications. 

Your Belongings  

It may be challenging to look at the belongings of a joyful and exciting life and consider how they will be shared after your passing, but taking the small step can both ensure that your heirlooms and special items go to the right people and help to reduce stress on those you love. 

Take stock of your property and belongings and consider what you want to be passed down, donated, and shared among the family. If you have produced art or have other personal creations, don’t forget to write down how you wish to have it shared, saved, or curated. This will help to provide you and your loved ones with peace of mind. 

Your Remembrance 

Planning your own remembrance may feel maudlin, but it may help to see it as an opportunity to make your own kind of special goodbye and share your personality with loved ones. Whether you’re interested in a large funeral or you want something more private and personal, or if you have specific cultural traditions that you wish to have at your service, writing your wishes down in the end of life planning workbook can help ensure they are followed and respected. 

You have many options when it comes to how a memorial is written, what poems or songs are shared in your honor, and if you want to go on to help those in the medical field. It can be helpful to think of this planning time as a way of parting on your own terms and telling those who are staying behind exactly how much you love them. 

In Summary 

Whether the end of the journey is near or far off in the distance, it can be challenging to consider your wishes and plans and what that might mean for friends and family. But taking the time to organize your end of life planning workbook is essential to making the process go smoothly and helping those you love to navigate and follow up on the things you want. Begin developing your workbook today so you can focus on the things that matter most.