End-of-Life Planning Checklist

November 21, 2025

Many people postpone making arrangements for the end of life because it can be difficult to think about. Yet, planning ahead gives you the freedom to focus on what truly matters: spending time with loved ones and creating lasting memories.

At Eggen & Lance Funeral Home, we support families in making these important decisions with compassion and understanding. Our goal is to help you plan ahead with confidence, so your wishes are honored and your loved ones are spared unnecessary stress during a time of grief. End-of-life planning provides peace of mind and ensures that every detail reflects your values, your story, and your care for those you leave behind.

Taking time to plan today makes all the difference tomorrow. Whether you are organizing legal documents, making healthcare choices, or outlining how you want to be remembered, thoughtful preparation helps your loved ones feel guided and supported. Below is a helpful checklist to walk you through the most important steps in end-of-life planning.

What Is End-of-Life Planning?

End-of-life planning is the process of making decisions about your healthcare, finances, and personal wishes before they are needed. It includes documenting your preferences for medical treatment, naming trusted individuals to make decisions on your behalf, and outlining how you would like your life to be celebrated or remembered.

This type of planning goes beyond paperwork. It is about creating peace of mind for yourself and your loved ones by ensuring that your values, beliefs, and priorities are clearly expressed. From legal documents to funeral arrangements, end-of-life planning helps ensure that every choice is guided by your wishes rather than left to chance.

Why Is End-of-Life Planning Important?

End-of-life planning is one of the most caring and responsible things you can do for your family. It ensures your healthcare, finances, and final arrangements reflect your values and wishes.

By planning ahead, you can:

• Reduce stress and uncertainty for your loved ones
• Document your medical and legal decisions
• Control costs through preplanning options
• Create a service that celebrates your life in a meaningful way

At Eggen & Lance Funeral Home, we believe thoughtful planning is an act of love. It allows your family to focus on remembrance and healing, knowing your wishes are clear.

First Steps: Speak With Your Loved Ones

One of the first steps in end-of-life planning is communication. Talking openly with your loved ones helps them understand what matters most to you, including how you wish to be cared for, remembered, and honored.

Be sure to tell someone you trust where to find your important documents and contact information for key people such as your attorney, financial planner, or funeral home. These conversations help your family feel confident that your wishes will be followed.

Create a Detailed Will and Power of Attorney

Once you have shared your wishes, the next step is to document them. A last will and testament specifies how you want your assets distributed and who should handle your affairs. You may also wish to create a living trust to simplify the process and avoid probate.

Appointing a Durable Power of Attorney allows someone you trust to manage financial matters if you become unable to do so. A Health Care Power of Attorney authorizes a trusted person to make medical decisions on your behalf.

These documents protect your interests and reduce confusion for loved ones during a difficult time.

Plan for Your Medical Care

An Advance Directive outlines your preferences for end-of-life medical treatment, while a POLST (Portable Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) provides detailed instructions for healthcare professionals.

Having these documents in place ensures your care aligns with your values and helps doctors and family members act with confidence and compassion.

Plan Your Funeral or Celebration of Life the Way you Want It

End-of-life planning also includes making choices about how you want your life to be remembered. Selecting the music, readings, and type of service you want can bring comfort and direction to your family.

Through funeral pre-planning at Eggen & Lance, Santa Rosa Mortuary, and Fred Young Funeral Home, you can make important choices now so your family will not need to make them later.

Pre-planning allows you to:

• Document your wishes clearly
• Reduce emotional and financial stress for your family
• Lock in today’s prices with prepaid options
• Focus on creating a personal and meaningful service

Whether you prefer to begin your funeral pre-planning online or meet with our staff in person, we are here to guide you through every step.

End-of-Life Planning Checklist

Use this checklist as a guide when preparing your end-of-life plan. Review it regularly and update it as your circumstances change.

• Advance Directive
• POLST (Portable Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment)
• Last Will and Testament or Living Trust
• Durable Power of Attorney
• Health Care Power of Attorney
• Life Insurance Policies
• Memorial Service, Celebration of Life, or Funeral Arrangements
• Detailed Financial Instructions, including:
  • Bank accounts and passwords
  • Pensions and investments
  • Property deeds and titles

Having these items organized in one place makes it easier for your family to act on your behalf with confidence and care.

Pre-Planning and Support When You Need It Most

Pre-planning your funeral is one of the most thoughtful gifts you can give your loved ones. At Eggen & Lance Funeral Home, we can help you take the steps outlined in this checklist to create a plan that reflects your wishes and gives your family peace of mind. Our caring team will guide you through each decision, from documenting your preferences to arranging a meaningful service that truly honors your life.

If you have recently lost a loved one and are unsure where to begin, you can learn more about what to do in the hours and days following a loss here. We are honored to serve families across Santa Rosa, Cloverdale, Healdsburg, Rohnert Park, and throughout Sonoma County. For compassionate support or to start planning ahead, contact us today or call (707) 545-3747 to speak with a member of our team.