Preparing for the last stage of life involves thoughtful consideration and organisation of essential documents. These documents ensure that your wishes are respected and that your loved ones have the information they need to manage affairs smoothly. Here’s a guide on the important documents to consider, collect, complete, and store safely.

Key Documents to Prepare

1. Will: A will is crucial as it outlines how you want your assets distributed and who will be responsible for managing your estate. It can also include provisions for the care of any minor children. Some valuable assets listed in your will come with their own documentation, like share certificates, property title deeds, or vehicle registrations.

2. Advance Care Directive: Also known as a living will, this document specifies your wishes regarding medical treatment if you are unable to communicate your decisions due to illness or incapacity.

3. Enduring Power of Attorney (legal and financial): This allows you to appoint someone to manage your financial affairs if you are unable to do so yourself. It is effective during your lifetime and can continue if you lose mental capacity.

4. Appointment of Enduring Guardian (health): This document appoints someone to make personal or health decisions on your behalf if you are not capable of doing so.

5. Medical Information: Including a list of known allergies, medications, medical history, and your doctor's contact details can be very helpful in an emergency.

6. Insurance Policies: Life, health, home, and car insurance documents should be organised and stored where they can be easily accessed by your beneficiaries.

7. Bank Account Details: Information about your bank accounts, including account numbers and the locations of any safe deposit boxes.

8. Digital Account Information: Considering the digital age, it’s wise to prepare a list of digital assets such as social media accounts, online banking, email accounts, and digital wallets. Include how to access them and what to do with them.

9. Personal Letters: Some choose to write personal letters to loved ones, which can provide comfort and closure.

Storing Your Documents

Once these documents are prepared, store them in a secure, fireproof, and waterproof location. Inform a trusted family member or attorney about where these documents can be found to ensure they are accessible when needed. Soon you will be able to upload these documents to you Violet Plan for safekeeping here in your Violet Vault.

Preparing these documents well ahead of time ensures that your wishes are respected and provides peace of mind both for you and your loved ones. It’s advisable to review and update these documents periodically or after significant life changes.

For more information and support, chat to Violet via the message box below, register for your Violet Plan, or book to speak with a Violet Guide via the menu links at www.meetviolet.ai