RESOURCES

HG Foundation wants everyone to experience the peace of mind that comes with being prepared. For individuals and their loved ones, no care decisions are more profound than those made at end of life. These online resources and helpful links are here to inform and guide you. Let us help you get started.

NOTES TO
MY FAMILY

READ, LISTEN,
WATCH + LEARN

SHARED COMMUNITY RESOURCES

PROVIDERS

NOTES TO MY FAMILY

Notes to My Family is an organizing tool to help compile important personal, health, and financial information in one convenient place. Notes to My Family helps give you peace of mind and helps your family members carry out your end-of-life wishes.

Click below for an overview of the four primary sections of Notes to My Family.

Notes to My Family is organized into four information sections: Personal, Health, Financial, and Wishes. Review each section to get a feel for what information will go where. Take your time and think about who might work with you on this project. When using Notes to My Family, be sure to protect your privacy and sensitive personal information.

This area covers the basics as well as history. Based on what you choose to share, use this section to inform your family members about any aspect of your personal history and who they should contact during serious illness. Here are some suggestions:

  • Personal data, identification, and health history
  • Contact information for relatives, friends, and close contacts
  • How to handle your household needs

This area helps you organize legal and financial information. Notes to My Family is not a substitution for legal advice. However, this tool does provide you with a useful road map to help make conversations with your advisors more efficient by knowing the right questions to ask and which documents are necessary. As with all advance planning tools, it is recommended to update annually.

Document your health information, current medications, and medical history. Include past illnesses, surgeries, and allergies. Specificity is important; this includes specifying diseases that have been in your immediate and extended families. Update your medication list regularly.

Empowered care means you and your physician manage your illness and treatment plans together. Communication is key. Talk with your doctor about your preferences. This section of Notes to My Family provides guidance for you, and/or the person you designate to make health-care decisions for you. There are two forms referenced in this section: Advance Health Care Directive and the POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment).

Wishes + Memories may help you find peace and solace by sharing information about your life, leaving messages for family members or loved ones, and expressing your final wishes.

In Wishes + Memories, you will also be asked to answer sensitive questions including who to notify upon your death, your intentions for organ donation, and burial plans. You will be encouraged to write your own obituary and to plan for your end-of-life celebration.

When thoughtfully completed, this special section will allow others to fully honor your life.

Request to download Notes to My Family
Notas Para Mi Familia

Request to download the fillable PDF of Notes to My Family by clicking below. If you prefer a hard copy binder of the publication send an email to [email protected] or call HG Foundation at 831-333-9023.  Shipping and handling fees will apply.

Watch Now
Ver ahora

LOVE LETTERS

Everyone wants to leave behind love and gratitude. A lasting way to do this is to write what Hospice Giving Foundation calls, Love Letters. Ideally, write letters when you’re healthy. However, if you learn you have a serious illness, we hope you find time to write letters to the most important people in your life. Download HG Foundation’s Love Letters guide for our suggestions.

Download Love Letters Guide
DESCARGA GUÍA CARTAS DE AMOR