Advance Life Planning
Information & Resources
Advance life planning involves processes that support adults at any stage of life and health to explore and share their personal values, goals, and preferences for future medical and non-medical care.
Advance life planning is about more than paperwork—it’s about making sure your voice is heard in the moments that matter most. Wherever you are in life, you can explore your values, priorities, and wishes for future care, and share them with the people who may one day need to speak on your behalf.
Most adults agree this kind of planning is important, yet only about one-third have actually begun. That’s why resources, tools, and conversations matter so much: they take a hard topic and make it manageable. This page offers guidance for you, your family, and your community to plan in ways that reflect what matters most.
“Advance life planning is one of the greatest acts of care we can offer—to ourselves and to the people we love. It’s more than medical decisions; it’s about easing burdens, honoring values, and tending to life’s details before they become crises.”
Understanding the Language of Planning
Advance life planning often introduces new words and documents that can feel overwhelming. These handouts are designed to make the language clear and approachable—so you can focus on what matters most: your values, your choices, and the people you love. Download one or all six to learn at your own pace.
Planning for Future Medical Care
Medical Terms and Treatment Decisions
Financial & Property Terminology
Legacy & Meaning Terminology
Disposition Terminology - "Our Final Resting Place"
Funerals & Memorials Terminology
Ready to Get Started?
Planning ahead is one of the greatest gifts you can give to yourself and the people who care about you. Each step you take—whether it’s having a short conversation, filling out a worksheet, or learning a new term—reduces uncertainty and builds peace of mind for the future.
If you’d like extra guidance, Mourning Ventures offers personalized support to help you explore your values, document your wishes, and feel confident about your plans.
Your planning journey is yours to shape — choose the path that feels right today.
