The DWDE PURPLE PACKET
The DWDE "Purple Packet"
Here you will find the contents of the DWDE Purple Packet. There is A LOT of information here, which can be overwhelming. If you have any questions, or would like to schedule time to meet with me to review the contents of the packet, please contact me.
While most the information included in the packet is universal (for this country), some of it is Maine-specific. If you are looking for information for another state, please contact me.
Creating an End-of-Life Plan
While completing an advance directive and last will and testament are important parts of end-of-life preparation, there is so much more you can do to significantly increase your chances of experiencing a good death. Use this document as a guide to prepare the best that you can - a gift to both yourself, and those who care about you!
Who Will Speak for Me? Choosing Your Healthcare Representative/Proxy
Source: Compassion and Choices
Choosing your Healthcare Proxy as part of your advance directive can be tricky. You want to choose someone who will robustly advocate for you when you cannot. This may not be the person who is closest to you - since this may be a difficult role for that person to play. This informative guide from Compassion and Choices will help you decide.
Vital statistics for the death certificate
Upon death, everyone needs a completed death certificate. You would be amazed at how often people do not know all of the answers to all of the questions on the death certificate. (And they all need to be answered!) YOU do know all of the answers to all of the questions on the death certificate. The numbered questions on this form corresponds directly with the numbered questions on the Maine State Death Certificate. Completing this form will enable the people close to you to provide all of the necessary answers to complete the death certificate. Easy peasy!
Maine State Death Certificate (Example)
Example of the Maine State Death Certificate form.
Legacy Questions & Writing Prompts
Legacy work is a gift to the people who care about you - and yourself! Record (writing, audio, visual) your stories, thoughts, advice. No one can tell it like you can! Plus it is a good exercise in life review to see if you have accomplished all that you hoped, and what you might want to do differently with the time you have left. If you are at a loss where to begin, this document can help guide you.
Sidenote: Even if you have no family, legacy work is still important. You were here - you lived a life - and you matter.
Body Disposition Options in Maine
We are fortunate to have several body disposition options here in Maine! (more than you think!) Many of which are far more affordable and "greener" than the most well known burial (embalming, etc.) and flame cremation options.
Green Cemeteries in Maine
There are several green cemeteries in Maine - this documents what is currently available in the state. (Remember: You can also be buried on your own property in most areas of the state. You will need to establish a private cemetery on your property PRIOR to the time of need.)
The FTC Funeral Rule Law
Source: The Federal Trade Commission
If you plan to work with a funeral home, I highly recommend that you familiarize yourself with the Federal Trade Commission's law called The Funeral Rule. It is not complicated or overwhelming - and it is important to know your rights so you can best advocate for yourself when working with the funeral industry.
Home Funerals - "The Dreaded Paperwork"
Source: Last Things
Everyone has the right to care for their own dead. There are nine states that require some level of involvement from a funeral home/director (usually regarding paperwork and/or transportation), but Maine is not one of them. None of the New England states are. The most common apprehension that folks have around home death care is the paperwork. This document will help guide you through what you need to do.
Disposition of Human Remains Form - Maine (Example)
Example of the Maine State Disposition of Human Remains form. You can request this from the municipal office in the town/city where the death has occurred. You will need to file a completed death certificate to obtain this form.
Medical Examiner's Release of Human Remains Form - Maine (Example)
Example of the Maine State Medical Examiner's Release of Human Remains form. This form is only required if the body is to be cremated, removed from the state, buried at sea, or donated to science/medical school. (Remember cremations includes flame cremation, alkaline hydrolysis (water cremation), and Natural Organic Reduction (NOR - human composting) It will need to be completed by a Medical Examiner who will need a completed death certificate to do so. You can call the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) 24/7 at 207.624.7180.
The DWDE PURPLE PACKET Contents - Continued...
C&C - A Patient's Guide to Personal Advocacy with Doctors, Healthcare Systems & Hospice
Enter Info Here
The Art of Dying Well - Advance Care Directive Amendment for Dementia
Enter Info Here
10 Things You Need to Know About Approaching Death
Enter Info Here
Difference Between Palliative Care & Hospice Care
Enter Info Here
Advance Care Planning - Advance Directives vs. POLST Forms
Enter Info Here
The DWDE PURPLE PACKET - Continued...
Attending Physician's Checklist for the Maine Death with Dignity Act
Enter Info Here
Request for Medication Form - Maine Death with Dignity
Enter Info Here
Planning Ahead Can Make a Difference in the End - NPR
Enter Info Here
The DWDE PURPLE PACKET - Continued...
What Are Wind Phones and How Do They Help with Grief?
Enter Info here
My Particular Wishes for Therapies That Could Sustain Life
Enter Info Here
Paying Final Respects - Your Rights When Buying Funeral Goods & Services
Enter Info Here