Important Documents Needed During and After Hospice

When your loved one enters hospice care, you're focused on comfort, family time, and making each day as good as possible. The last thing you want to think about is paperwork. But having the right documents ready can save you stress and help things go smoothly when you need them most.

You don't need to gather everything at once. Start with the most important papers and work your way through the list when you have quiet moments. Think of this as one more way to care for your loved one and protect your family.

Medical and Insurance Documents

Your hospice team will need access to several medical papers right away. Keep your loved one's insurance cards in an easy-to-find spot. This includes Medicare cards, private insurance cards, and any secondary insurance. Make copies of both sides of each card and store the copies separately from the originals.

The hospice intake team will ask for a list of current medications, but doctors' notes and recent test results can also be helpful. If your loved one has been in the hospital recently, ask for copies of discharge papers before they come home. These papers often have important details about their current condition and care needs.

Don't forget about advance directives. These include living wills, healthcare power of attorney papers, and POLST forms if your loved one has them. If you can't find the originals, call your loved one's doctor's office. They often keep copies in the patient's file.

Legal and Financial Papers

While your loved one is still alert and able to make decisions, it's a good time to make sure legal papers are in order. A will is the most important document, but many families also need power of attorney forms for finances. These papers let someone else handle money matters and legal issues if your loved one becomes unable to do so.

Bank account information is crucial both during hospice care and after. Make a list of all accounts, including checking, savings, and any investment accounts. Write down the bank names, account numbers, and where to find online login information. Keep this list in a secure place that trusted family members can access.

If your loved one owns a home, car, or other property, gather those ownership papers. Look for deeds, car titles, and insurance policies. These documents will be needed later, and they're much easier to find now than during a time of grief.

Social Security and Benefits

Social Security provides benefits to many hospice patients. Keep the Social Security card in a safe place, and make note of the monthly benefit amount. If your loved one receives other benefits like veterans' payments or retirement funds, gather information about those as well.

Veterans deserve special mention here. If your loved one served in the military, their discharge papers (called a DD-214) are extremely important. These papers can help qualify for burial benefits and other veteran services. If you can't find the original, you can request a copy from the military, but this takes time.

End-of-Life Planning Documents

Some families find it helpful to write down their loved one's wishes for their final days. This might include who they want present, any special music or readings they'd like, or how they want their room set up. While not legally required, these notes can guide family decisions and help honor their wishes.

Funeral and burial plans are also important to discuss and document. Some people have prepaid funeral plans or have expressed specific wishes about burial or cremation. If these plans exist, make sure family members know where to find the information and any contracts or payment records.

Keeping Everything Organized

Create a simple filing system that works for your family. A basic folder or binder can hold copies of important papers. Label sections clearly: medical, insurance, legal, financial, and personal wishes. Keep originals in a fireproof safe or safety deposit box, but make sure someone else knows how to access them.

Consider making a master list of where to find each document. Include account numbers, contact information for lawyers or financial advisors, and passwords for online accounts. Store this list securely, but make sure more than one person knows where it is.

Digital Considerations

Many of us handle finances and communication online now. If your loved one uses online banking, email, or social media, you'll need access to these accounts eventually. While they're still able, ask them to write down usernames and passwords, or show you where they keep this information.

Some people use password managers or keep login information in their phone or computer. If your loved one does this, make sure someone in the family knows how to access these devices.

After Your Loved One Passes

When the time comes, you'll need several documents right away. The funeral home will need identification, insurance information, and Social Security numbers. If your loved one was a veteran, they'll need the military discharge papers. Having these ready will help during an already difficult time.

Don't worry if you can't find every single document right now. Start with what you can locate easily, and work on the rest as time allows. The hospice team, funeral directors, and other professionals you'll work with understand that families are doing their best during a hard time. They're there to help guide you through the process, not to judge your level of preparation.

Taking care of these details now is another way of showing love for your family member and protecting those who will be left behind.