When I die, I don’t want to leave a muddle of paperwork and lots of work for Sue and our sons. So, I’ve put a few arrangements in place that hopefully will make the job easier. In fact, my end-of-life planning starts a bit earlier with:
An Advance Decision To Refuse Treatment document (ADRT) specifying the treatments for which my consent is not given. I’ve seen a couple of template documents. I think the most comprehensive is the one provided by the MND Association:
A second important document in my end-of-life folder is my DNACPR document (Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) originated at my request by the hospice and shared with local health providers and the Ambulance Service.
On a practical note, I also have a ‘Just In Case‘ pack of medications which were prescribed and are documented by my GP. The documentation gives authority to a qualified person to administer the drugs, which includes Glycopyrronium Bromide and Morphine amongst others.
Two other documents give authority to family members to act in my best interests – a Lasting Power of Attorney for Health and Welfare and Lasting Power of Attorney for Finance and Property.
To help in the days following my death I’ve listed my friends and former colleagues whom I would like to be notified. I’ve also attempted to list all the many organisations with which I have accounts and arrangements in place (e.g. Council Tax, credit cards, pension providers and many more). At the present time I’ve identified no fewer than 48 organisations!
We have talked about how I would like my funeral to be organised and I’ve selected my preferred choices of music.
I have often wondered about how to preserve my ‘digital legacy’ of music and 20,000 family photos and was relieved when Apple recently made it possible for you to specify nominated family members who can take ownership of your digital assets after death (following production of a Death Certificate). I’ve no idea if Microsoft and Google provide similar options.
I guess I should also mention that it’s important to ensure in advance that pension providers have up to date Expression of Wishes documents so they can ensure that future survivor payments go to the right person.
Finally, the document most people might think of first- my Will!
The overview above isn’t exhaustive, but I hope it’s useful.