End-of-life planning is one of the most significant gifts you can give your loved ones. It is all about thinking ahead for what’s to come and communicating your final wishes with those you leave behind. It involves serious thought about who you want to make decisions on your behalf, who should inherit your possessions, and who should be in control when you are gone. A complete end of life plan covers planning for both illness and death, and each category has tasks and documents specific to that situation. Taking time now to organize pertinent information and important documents, and sharing that information with your loved ones, will help reduce some of the burden for your survivors. The hardest part is often just getting started.
Planning AHEAD is an end-of-life planning curriculum for all ages developed by UW–Madison Division of Extension faculty and staff. This 7-session research-based program will help participants understand how to prepare for the end of life for themselves or a loved one, and why it’s important to have a plan in place.
In the Planning AHEAD workbook, you will find worksheets that will help you identify your wishes and gather and organize your end-of-life plan and supporting documents. This program and workbook were designed for residents in Wisconsin and is specific to Wisconsin law. If you are not a resident of Wisconsin, please refer to your state’s laws around Advanced Medical and Legal Directives, and Estate Planning.
A virtual Planning AHEAD program series is being offered in April and May. Please register with this link: https://eventreg.wisc.edu/en/5f4YRxR7/g/extension/planning-ahead-statewide-virtual-series-5a2TQr1CLWL/overview
Please contact Carol Bralich, Human Development & Relationships Educator in Fond du Lac County, with any questions at carol.bralich@wisc.edu.