As we journey through life, it’s easy to focus on the now and overlook the inevitable. While many of us plan diligently for retirement, fewer take the time to consider how we want to be cared for in our final days. Death is still a sensitive and often avoided topic, leaving many unprepared for the decisions that need to be made. Despite nearly 90% of Medicare beneficiaries expressing a desire to die at home, only about one-third actually do, according to the NIH. So, what can you do to ensure your wishes for end-of-life care are honored? Let’s explore the essentials of creating a thorough and compassionate plan.
What to Include in an End-of-Life Care Plan
Creating an end-of-life care plan not only gives you control over your future but also eases the burden on your loved ones. A comprehensive plan should include how to manage pain and symptoms, your preferences for emotional, cultural, or spiritual support, and clear guidance for decision-making in case you’re unable to speak for yourself.
Important elements to include are:
-
Advance Health Care Directive (living will and medical power of attorney)
-
Medical records and history
-
Pain management and palliative care preferences
-
Emergency instructions for unusual situations
-
Contact list of healthcare providers and legal representatives
-
Estate planning documents (e.g., will, trust)
-
Details about housing or hospice preferences
-
Funeral or memorial arrangements
Planning provides clarity and comfort, ensuring that your family isn’t left guessing about your wishes during a stressful time. According to the National Institute on Aging, communicating your preferences in advance is one of the most loving things you can do for your family. Read more here.
Need Planning Help?
If you’re unsure where to start, consider using a checklist to make sure all aspects are covered. Focus on four main areas:
-
Advance Health Care Directive
-
End-of-Life Housing
-
Estate Planning
-
Funeral Planning
Make sure to have open conversations with loved ones before finalizing your plan. Their support and understanding can help ensure your wishes are carried out respectfully and accurately.
Need help organizing your plan? Check out Everplans, a secure platform where you can store important documents and share access with those who need it most. It’s a valuable resource that can guide you through every step of the process, from legal forms to digital legacy planning. If you want to learn more about financial planning for end-of-life expenses, check out this other post: What are Funeral Plans and Why Are They Important?
Life Insurance Questions?
We hope that this information on End-of-Life Care Plan is useful to you.
If you’d like to learn how we can help you plan your retirement, call Empower Brokerage at (888) 539-1633 to speak to one of our Life and Annuity experts or leave a comment down below.
Get affordable life insurance quotes by clicking here.
See our other websites:
This article was updated on 4/21/25.