FAQs About End-of-Life Planning

Facing end-of-life planning isn’t easy, but it’s one of the greatest gifts we can give to our loved ones. Having the right end-of-life planning documents in place can ease uncertainty, reduce stress, and ensure your wishes are honored when it matters most. As an end-of-life doula, I often see how much smoother — and more meaningful — the journey can be when these documents are prepared ahead of time.

This guide walks you through the 10 essential documents you should have, and answers common questions about end-of-life planning to help you and your loved ones prepare with peace of mind.

📝 10 Essential End-of-Life Planning Documents

1. Advance Directive (Living Will)
   States your preferences for medical treatment if you’re unable to communicate. This document is foundational in your end-of-life planning documents toolkit. You can find the form for Alabama on the state public health site or download it here.
2. Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare
   Appoints someone to make medical decisions for you if you’re unable to do so yourself.
3. Durable Power of Attorney for Finances
   Grants financial authority to someone you trust during illness or incapacity.
4. POLST or MOLST Form (Physician/Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment)
   A physician-signed medical order that outlines specific treatment wishes. Not everyone needs this, but it’s a critical part of end-of-life planning documents for people with advanced illness. A good resource for state by state online resources can be found here.
5. Last Will and Testament
   Specifies how your assets and responsibilities should be managed after death.
6. Revocable Living Trust
   Useful for those with substantial assets, this optional legal document helps your estate avoid probate.
7. HIPAA Release Form
   Ensures your chosen advocates can legally access your medical records when needed.
8. Funeral or Burial Instructions
   These documents help your family honor your final wishes, including preferences for cremation, burial, or rituals.
9. Organ or Body Donation Registration
   If you choose to be an organ donor or donate your body for education, this document is vital and should be included in your end-of-life planning documents.
10. Personal Letter of Values or Ethical Will
    This is your chance to pass on your beliefs, life lessons, and hopes to loved ones. While not legally binding, it holds deep emotional significance.

💬 FAQs About End-of-Life Planning

Q: When should I start preparing my end-of-life planning documents?
A: Now. These documents aren’t just for the elderly — anyone over 18 should have the basics in place. Accidents and illness can happen unexpectedly, and early planning ensures your voice is heard.

Q: Do I need a lawyer for all of these documents?
A: Not necessarily. Some  documents, like wills or trusts, benefit from legal review. Others, such as advance directives or HIPAA forms, are often available through your state’s health department or hospital.

Q: What’s the difference between an advance directive and a POLST?
A: An advance directive states your general preferences. A POLST is a specific medical order, used when someone has a serious illness or is nearing the end of life.

Q: Where should I store my end-of-life planning documents?
A: Keep them in a secure but accessible location. Provide copies to your healthcare proxy, family, and primary care provider. Consider creating digital backups as well.

Q: Can a death doula help with end-of-life planning?
A: Yes. While we don’t provide legal advice, end-of-life doulas can help guide you through preparing your documents, exploring your values, and offering emotional and spiritual support throughout the process.

🌿 You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

End-of-life planning documents aren’t just paperwork — they’re a way to take control of your care, reduce stress for your loved ones, and ensure your life is honored as you wish. At Eleison Doula Services, we walk with you every step of the way, offering support that’s practical, personal, and compassionate.

📩 Contact us today for a free consultation and let’s begin this meaningful journey together.https://eleisondoula.com/contact-us/