Having recently experienced the death of a family member, I can share the observation that you can't prepare enough for the day when you or someone in your care passes away.

Taking a few steps ahead of time will save you or your family considerable heartache at the end, so skip the ball game this weekend to put things in order.

Here's what you need:
--Health care power of attorney, to give your family the authority to make decisions about your medical care if you are unable to.
--Health directive or "living will," to let those close to you know if you want life-sustaining medical treatment in the event you are incapacitated.
--Your will, just so your obnoxious nephew doesn't get the high-def TV.
--Social security numbers, IDs, financial accounts, insurance policies, veterans benefit information, funeral plans, trust documents and anything else that your family will need to know about.

Put these in a binder tucked away in a safe place and tell your trusted family members where to find it.

The University of Hawai`i Elderly Law Program has sample forms and information on health care power of attorney and advanced health care directives.

Consult an attorney to draft a will or trust and arrange for a funeral plan if you want dye-colored pigeons flying overhead at your service.

Have you any pre-need insights to share? Let us know.