Talk about it. The most important thing you can do to prepare for the end of life is to discuss it with your family and friends. Tell them what you would like. Ask them what they would like. Since they will have to execute your plans, it is also important to consider what your family can manage, financially, logistically and emotionally.

Make decisions. Here is a list of things to consider:

1. Method of disposition of the body
   
   
   • Burial
   • Cremation
   • Green burial
   • Body or organ donation
2. Do you want to join BAFS so that you may choose among the discounted packages at our cooperating mortuaries?
3. Which mortuary to use
   
   
   • See the list of cooperating mortuaries that give discounts to BAFS members for specific packages
   • See our Funeral Price Survey. The survey allows you to compare the prices of 72 funeral homes in the Bay Area.
   • Although you may want to donate your body, or your survivors may want to manage your death care without the help of a mortuary, things don't always work out as planned. Therefore, it's a good idea to choose a mortuary and have a plan in place just in case.
4. What products and/or services do you want?
   
   
   • Contrary to what some funeral homes may tell you, embalming does not provide a "public health benefit." It is not required by law. However, if you want a public viewing of the body, then the funeral home may insist on embalming. For more information on this subject, click here.
   • Consider these affordable packages
5. What sort of memorial service is desired, if any?
   
   
   • Viewing and Visitation: The Difference
6. Where to be buried (if burial is chosen)
   
   
   • See Cemetery List (Work in progress)
   • See our Cemetery Survey
7. What to do with the ashes (if cremation is chosen)
   
   
   • Disposition of Cremated Remains
8. How to pay for it all.
   
   
   • Unless you're pre-paying to qualify for Medicaid for institutionalization (nursing home), we do not advise that you pre-pay your funeral expenses. Even in states where the money is refundable and transferable, there are still too many risks to justify it. See this article from the national Funeral Consumers Alliance, entitled "The Pitfalls of Preneed." Also see the FCA pamphlet, Prepaying Your Funeral: Benefits and Dangers".
   • If you want to pre-plan and set some money aside, we recommend a POD/ITF account.
   • Some financial assistance may be available.

Record your wishes. It is vital that you communicate your plans to those who will be responsible for carrying them out.

1. Complete a California Advance Health
2. There is a great deal of information that your survivors will need in order to handle your affairs after you die. Gather this information and make your family aware of its location.
   
   
   • Here is a checklist of information to be assembled before death. [link to checklist coming soon]
   • Here is a form that will make it easier to complete the death certificate
3. Gather these forms and make your family aware of their location. Provide them with copies.