Wills…you need one

Tō tātou reo/My Advance Care Plan explains what this important document is and offers free, online, downloadable and printable templates for creating your  Advance Care Plan. 

An Advance Care Plan (ACP) is a written document that identifies your personal goals and values so family and medical professionals know how you would like to be cared for and what is important to you.

These may include people you would like around, preferred medical interventions (or lack thereof) and where your important documents (such as your will and power of attorney) are held.  

It can be helpful to write your Advance Care Plan with a family member, medical professional, or other trusted person, and it can be added to your medical file.

Learn more about ACP’s in this handy Hospice Waikato resource and video.

Your life is a unique journey that you may wish to record and share with your family or other interested people. Your life story can be as simple as a single, written page, or as elaborate as a book, video or audio recording. This is easily done and you can do it yourself or with help from friends and whānau (especially young ones great with technology!)

If you or your loved one is with Hospice Waikato, a life story writer may be available to record and write your life story, illustrated with photos.  

Alternatively, there is a (paid) service Create Books by local Ann Neville.  

Don't leave this until it is too late. 

A “When I Die Box" is an act of love for those you leave behind and a creative way to collate important information and momentos for your whānau, especially those who will be involved with your care. It could include a copy of your will, advance care plan, sealed letters to loved ones, favourite photos and recipes, access to digital resources, passwords etc.

Meredith Youngson from TimeBank Raglan is happy to meet with you to show you her own box and guide you to creating one yourself.

Download her suggested contents list here.

Make sure your loved ones know where to find it! 

Another helpful resource for ensuring your loved ones can access your details and personal information on your death, is Kathy Perks' book "When I Die: A Record of Personal Details and End-of-Life Planner" available from The Women's Bookshop.

 And Last Writes is a journal created by Penny Macdonald and Rebecca Zwitser to guide people to articulate their thoughts, memories and wishes including sections on funeral planning, leaving a legacy and logistics.

Do you want to help another life when you “go”?  Perhaps you’d like to consider organ donation. 

Organ donation is only possible in a small proportion of all deaths in New Zealand. However, when donation can occur, one donor has the potential to help up to ten people through the donation of organs and tissues.

The Organ Donation New Zealand website is designed to provide you with accurate information on deceased organ and tissue donation and to support you and your family through the decision-making process towards becoming a donor.

Here you will find courageous and heartfelt stories from donor families and transplant recipients; together with information about the organ donation process and answers to frequently asked questions.

Some people choose to donate their body to science when they die. These bodies are dissected by medical students during their extensive training to become a medical doctor.  

Donating your body to science takes some pre-planning.  You can find out more from this helpful Citizens Advice Bureau resource "Can I donate my body to medical science".  This resource is a guide and indication only. Please check latest prices and information and adapt to suit your needs.  

It is important to discuss this decision ahead of time with your family and the executor of your will, because this option may limit the time your family can have with your deceased body. Having a loved one's body present is helpful in grieving, and essential for some cultures and religions.  

Check out this helpful printable checklist from Proveda's "Dying To Know Day".

Another helpful checklist to guide you through a loved ones last days can be found on End of Life Service. 

 FAQ

•  Why is pre-planning important?

Pre-planning allows you to make informed decisions about your end-of-life care and arrangements, reducing stress for your loved ones during a difficult time.

• What should I include in my pre-planning?

Your pre-planning should cover your wishes for medical care, funeral and memorial preferences, financial and legal matters, and any personal messages or stories you wish to share.

• How do I start the pre-planning process?

Begin by discussing your wishes with family and friends, then document your preferences using our downloadable checklist. You can also consult with legal and financial advisors.

• Can I change my pre-planning arrangements?

Yes, you can update your pre-planning arrangements at any time to reflect changes in your circumstances or preferences.

• Is pre-planning legally binding?

While pre-planning documents are not legally binding, they serve as a valuable guide for your loved ones and can be used to inform legal documents, such as wills and advance directives.