The Life Plan Notebook is a concept and also an actual three-ring binder with how-to details and helpful forms compiled by the HSW Help Desk committee. The guide is free to Here to Stay in Wintergreen members and volunteers. We also offer a how-to multi-session program for small groups of members and volunteers several times a year. To learn more about making a life plan or register for the next session, email helpdesk@heretostaywtg.org.

A Life Plan outlines the details of your life that need to be handled if your are unable to provide the information yourself.

For example, the plan can go into play in the event of a sudden accident, injury, or diagnosis of a sudden illness. Or a sudden death.

A Life Plan is paperwork with questions about your affairs answered by you. The notebook is a place where it is all brought together. The end product helps you more easily share your information when needed.

Questions? Want some help with making a plan? Email helpdesk@heretostaywtg.org

There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to creating a Life Plan Notebook. Some of what your notebook might have includes:

  • A photo for yourself

  • Social Security number

  • Identification (Photo of front and back of Drivers License, passport)

  • Health Insurance Information (copies of front & back of all prescription and medical insurance cards)

  • Current Medications List

  • Names of physicians and other health care providers (dentists, hearing aid providers, eyeglasses, etc.)

  • List of any assisted devices needed (hearing aids, shoe inserts, glasses, etc.)

  • High-Level Medical History with notes on allergies

  • Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) completed form

  • Names and contact information of key individuals (Family Members/Friends/Clergy/etc.)

  • Names and photos of all pets, names of veterinarians

  • Power of Attorney and other estate documents such as wills, trusts, etc. with notes on the location of originals

  • Long Term Care Insurance policy

  • Military Service History

  • Key to Home, details on alarm system

  • Bank and Investment accounts

  • Information regarding loans to others

  • Information regarding outstanding debts

  • List and location of proof of ownership for all real estate or land holdings, vehicles, stocks held in certificate, Savings Bonds

  • Safes, Safe Deposit Boxes locations and how to access

  • Homeowners and Auto Insurance Carriers

  • Contact Information for CPA, Investment Advisor, Estate Attorney, Trust Company

  • Summary of routine bills

  • Credit Cards

  • Details on sources of income and investments

  • Pre-Paid Burial Arrangements

  • Views About Critical Care, Dying, and Death; Wishes, Values, Goals

    Download a PDF of this list

Where is it form

This downloadable one-page form from the California Caregiver Resource Centers is a good guide to the kinds of information needed in a basic Life Plan Notebook.

The Conversation Project

This handbook is the Conversation Project’s guide to thinking about and talking about your health now and in the future, including end of life issues. There is also a guide on naming someone who would make health care decisions on your behalf if you become unable to voice those decisions yourself.

More resources

The Creating a Life Plan Notebook is full of helpful resources. Learn more by sending an email to helpdesk@heretostaywtg.org.