5 Documents To Prepare Before The Funeral Home

Preplanning for your funeral home services in Dixon, IL is one way to get ready for your eventual passing. Another way is to gather and prepare these 5 important documents so your loved ones are not left with the task all on their own after you’re gone.  

1. Healthcare Power of Attorney - A healthcare power of attorney (POA) document appoints someone to make your medical decisions for you if you ever become unable. This document is good to have in the event of any medical problems from terminal illnesses and loss of brain function to temporary unconsciousness. Choose someone you trust to be your healthcare POA. Some states require a POA to be notarized with additional witnesses, but all states require the document to be signed by all involved parties.  

2. HIPAA Release - The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) stipulate that all medical records are confidential between the patient and the healthcare provider. If you want a family member to have access to your records in case you pass away or become incapacitated, you need to fill out and sign a HIPPAA Release form. 

3. ICE Book of Important Documents - While an in case of emergency (ICE) book isn’t a formal document, it’s a major help for families to gain access to important documents when a loved one passes away or is incapacitated. Make one and keep it in a secure yet obvious place in the event of your death. Include documents in your ICE book like:  

• Tax returns going back 5 years  
• Bank accounts 
• Medical and dental records 
• Insurance information 
• Birth certificate 
• Social security card 
• Important passwords  

4. Will - Your will is a document that states who will receive your assets and belongings after you pass. Wills must meet some important criteria to be valid, so it’s always a good idea to consult an attorney. Make sure your will:  

• Clearly identifies itself as your personal will and clearly lists your name, date of birth, and social security number.  
• Names an executor to make sure your exact wishes are carried out, from cremation to dividing the assets.  
• Clearly lists and identifies the heirs  
• Names all your assets, from bank accounts to estates and everything in between, and designates which heir will get what percentage of each asset.  
• Is signed by you and two or three witnesses 

You can also draw up a living will in the event you become incapacitated in some way. Different than a POA or a will, a living will lets you lay out your end of life wishes in the event you become terminally ill.  

If you have questions about these documents, or want to learn about other ways you can prepare for your eventual passing, Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation can help. We’re an experienced Dixon, IL funeral home, and would be happy to offer our expertise. Please visit us 702 1st Ave Sterling, IL 61081, or give us a call at (815) 626-1131 today.