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
Source: Die Well Death Education
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.
Declaration of Final Disposition & Funeral Wishes
Source: Home Funeral Alliance - Home Funeral Guide
The decision-making rights of your healthcare proxy end at death. If you have a specific person whom you would like to carry out specific wishes for you in terms of after-death care, funeral services, and body disposition, it is important that you complete a Declaration of Final Disposition & Funeral Wishes Form. Otherwise, these decision-making rights will fall to your next of kin. Even if you want your next of kin to make these decisions and fulfill your wishes, this form is still important to record what your wishes are after death.
Maine Custody of remains of deceased persons
Source: Maine.gov
This document includes sections of the Maine statute that outline who has custody (and decision making rights) of deceased persons in the state of Maine.
Vital Statistics for the Death Certificate
Source: Die Well Death Education & Maine.gov
After death, everyone will need a death certificate. You would be surprised by how many people do not know all of the answers to the questions on a death certificate. Chances are, YOU do know all of the answers. Completing this form will enable your people to easily provide the information necessary to complete the death certificate.
(This form is a modified version of the Maine State Death Certificate VS3B form. The unmodified version is usually provided to folks who are doing home after-death care, but the questions correspond with the formal Maine State Death Certificate form VS3.)
Legacy questions - writing Prompts
Primary Source: To Our Children's Children: Preserving Family Histories for Generations to Come
Legacy work is the process of recording things about yourself for others to have and remember after you are gone. Leaving a legacy gives your loved ones something tangible to hold on to, something that can provide healing and comfort long after you are gone, for generations to come. It is a reminder of who you were, what you loved, what was important to you, and the contributions that you made. Legacy work can be written, recorded (audio or video), and or dictated to someone else to be transcribed later. It is an invaluable gift to leave to your loved ones. Legacy work can be done at any time – it can be an ongoing process, or you can focus on it at the end of life. Legacy work is not only a gift for the people who care about you, but it is also a gift to yourself.
Body Disposition Options in Maine
Source: Die Well Death Education & Last Things
We are fortunate in Maine to have nearly all of the legal body disposition options in this country available to us. (there are more than you think!) This document reviews these options in detail.
Green Cemeteries in Maine
Source: Die Well Death Education
A list of the green cemeteries currently available in Maine.
Lower Cost Direct Cremation Services in Maine
Source: Last Things
A list of the lower-cost direct cremation services available in Maine.
Licensed Crematoria in Maine
Source: Maine.gov
A list of the only licensed crematoriums in Maine.
The DWDE PURPLE PACKET Contents - Continued...
THE FTC FUNERAL RULE
Source: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
An overview of the Funeral Rule, enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which makes it possible for you to choose only those goods and services you want or need, and to pay only for those you select - whether you are making arrangements when a death occurs or in advance. The Rule
allows you to compare prices among funeral homes and lets you select the funeral arrangements you want at the home you choose.
THE DREADED PAPERWORK - MAINE EDITION
Source: Last Things Website
The paperwork can be the most intimidating aspect of a home funeral - exacerbated by the fact that officials are often not familiar with individuals initiating this process. This guide will help walk you through the process.
Should you have any questions or run into any difficulties with municipal clerks, please encourage the clerks to contact Melissa Boynton at the Bureau of Vital Statistics Office at 207.287.5451 or melissa.boynton@maine.gov. You can also contact her yourself with questions. She is fantastic!
PERMIT FOR THE DISPOSTION OF HUMAN REMAINS - EXAMPLE
Source: Maine.gov
The Maine Permit for the Disposition of Human Remains is a mandatory document required to bury, cremate, transport, or entomb a deceased person. This document is obtained from the municipal office (clerk) of the town/city where the death occurred.
MEDICAL EXAMINER'S RELEASE OF HUMAN REMAINS - EXAMPLE
Source: Maine.gov
This form is not necessary if the body is to be buried. However, it is required if the body is to be cremated, donated, buried at sea, organically reduced (NOR), or shipped out of state. This form needs to be obtained from and completed by a Maine State Medical Examiner. To find contact information for a medical examiner in your area, call a local hospital or the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner at 207.624.7185.
FINAL RIGHTS - MAINE CHAPTER
Source: Final Rights: Reclaiming the American Way of Death
The book Final Rights, written by Josh Slocum and Lisa Carlson and published in 2011 is an invaluable resource. This book covers state-by-state information needed by anyone who wishes to take charge of funeral arrangements for a loved on, with or without the help of a funeral director.
A PATIENT'S GUIDE TO PERSONAL ADVOCACY WITH DOCTORS, HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS, AND HOSPICE
Source: Compassion & Choices
The quality of your end-of-life care can be greatly improved through thoughtful planning: finding the right care setting, working with providers who align with your values, and being an active participant in your care decisions.
This guide by Compassion & Choices provides information and additional tools that will help you advocate for the care you want, need, and deserve. It can also help individuals who may have a doctor or healthcare system that does not align with their end-of-life values and priorities.
DEMENTIA VALUES & PRIORITIES TOOL
Source: Compassion & Choices
The Dementia Values & Priorities Tool, created by Compassion & Choices, is designed to help you communicate your wishes regarding future care if you are living with dementia.
LIVING WITH THE END IN MIND
Source: Jill McClennen - End of Life Clarity
A powerful and thought provoking piece on intentional living by Jill McClennen.
THE FIVE SENSES
Source: Gabby Elise Jimenez - The Hospice Heart
A short piece by Gabby Elise Jimenez of the Hospice Heart, encouraging us all to tap into the five senses of the dying to help make them more comfortable.
10 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT APPROACHING DEATH
Source: Barbara Karnes
Written by the extraordinary Barbara Karnes, this short and succinct piece outlines 10 important things to know about death and dying.
PALLIATIVE CARE VS HOSPICE CARE
Source: CaringInfo
Palliative care and hospice care are similar, but there are some key differences. Both are focused on the needs of the patient and their quality of life. Palliative care focuses on maintaining the highest quality of life while managing treatment and other needs. Hospice care specifically focuses on the period closest to death.
Hospice is palliative care, but not all palliative care is hospice.
The DWDE PURPLE PACKET - Continued...
PALLIATIVE CARE: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Source: Get Palliative Care
Palliative care is medical care that is focused on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of an illness - chronic or terminal. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family.
PALLIATIVE PERFORMANCE SCALE
Source: VNS Health
The Palliative Performance Scale is a tool that helps physicians determine how to best support their patients, and is often the tool used to determine hospice eligibility.
POLST FORM VS. ADVANCE DIRECTIVES
Source: National POLST Collaborative
The key differences between Advance Directives and POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) forms.
MAINE POLST FORM: A PORTABLE MEDICAL ORDER
Source: Maine Hospice Council
The current Maine POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) form.
WHO NEEDS A POLST: A PORTABLE MEDICAL ORDER?
Source: National POLST Collaborative
POLST is a voluntary process that lets people who are seriously ill or have advanced frailty choose certain health care treatments when they cannot speak for themselves.
WHAT YOUR COMPLETED POLST FORM MEANS
Source: National POLST Collaborative
This document is provided to help you remember your choices and explain what your POLST form means.
UNDERSTANDING THE POLST FORM
Source: National POLST Collaborative
Intended for patients considered at risk for a life-threatening clinical event, the POLST form is designed to promote coordinated care by communicating patients' treatment preferences when they are unable to do so, particularly with emergency personnel, other health care professionals, or as the patient transitions across care settings.
UNDERSTANDING ADVANCE CARE PLANNING
Source: National POLST Collaborative
Advance care planning means taking steps to share your goals, values, beliefs and whatever matters to you, so that if there is ever a time you cannot make health care decisions for yourself, others will know what you would have wanted.
MAINE DEATH WITH DIGNITY FACT SHEET
Source: Maine Death with Dignity
The Maine Death with Dignity Act allows competent, terminally ill state residents who are within six months of death to legally obtain oral prescription medication they can voluntarily take without assistance to peacefully end their life.
MAINE DEATH WITH DIGNITY PHYSICIANS' CHECKLIST
Source: Maine Death with Dignity
This document has been created to assist attending physicians with completing Maine Death with Dignity requirements.
MAINE DEATH WITH DIGNITY REQUEST FOR MEDICATION FORM
Source: Maine Death with Dignity
This is the state form with which a patient can make their formal written request for MAID medication in Maine.
MEDICAL AID IN DYING (MAID) - MAINE STATE FAQ
Source: Maine Death with Dignity
An overview of frequently asked questions and answers specific to the state of Maine's Maine Death with Dignity Act.
The DWDE PURPLE PACKET - Continued...
THE FACTS ABOUT MEDICAL AID IN DYING (MAID)
Source: Compassion & Choices
Medical aid in dying (MAID) allows a terminally ill, mentally capable adult to voluntarily request and receive prescription medication from a healthcare provider that they can self-administer to die peacefully, on their own terms.
THE FACTS ABOUT VOLUNTARY STOPPING EATING AND DRINKING (VSED)
Source: Compassion & Choices
VSED is legal in the United States for a person who has the capacity to make their own medical decisions.
FAQ ABOUT VOLUNTARY STOPPING EATING AND DRINKING (VSED)
Source: Compassion & Choices
FAQ (and answers) about voluntary stopping eating and drinking. (VSED)
PLANNING AHEAD CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE END
Source: NPR
NPR commentator Aaron Freeman gives advice for planning your funeral.
WHAT ARE WIND PHONES, AND HOW DO THEY HELP WITH GRIEF?
Source: Smithsonian Magazine
A clinical social worker explains the vital role of an old-fashioned rotary phone for those dealing with death and loss.
RESOURCE LIST
Source: Die Well Death Education
A list of helpful death and end-of-life related resources: books, films, podcasts, websites, and services.
MAINE ADVANCE DIRECTIVE FORM
Source: Die Well Death Education
This is my favorite advance directive form; it is a bit more in-depth than the standard advance directive available on Maine.gov. This form is just as legitimate as the one available on the Maine.gov website.
HOSPITAL VISITATION AUTHORIZATION FORM
Source: Compassion & Choices
This form enables people not traditionally recognized as family members to gain priority visitation rights. Once completed and signed, it should be kept with the advance directive.
MY PARTICULAR WISHES FOR THERAPIES THAT COULD SUSTAIN LIFE (ADVANCE DIRECTIVE ADDENDUM)
Source: Compassion & Choices
This document is meant to inform my physician, nurse, or other care provider of my consent or refusal for certain specific therapies. It also guides my family or any other person I name in making healthcare decisions for me if I cannot articulate these decisions myself.
SECTARIAN HEALTHCARE DIRECTIVE (ADVANCE DIRECTIVE ADDENDUM)
Source: Compassion & Choices
This addendum clarifies that admission to a religiously affiliated facility does not imply consent to care mandated by the institution's religious policies and directs a transfer if the facility will not follow the preferences in an advance directive.
VALUES WORKSHEET
Source: Compassion & Choices
A useful tool from Compassion and Choices, which includes questions to consider as you make decisions about your healthcare preferences.
THE DWDE PURPLE PACKET CONTINUED...
RIDER TO RESIDENTIAL AGREEMENT WITH ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY
Source: Compassion & Choices
Having this rider in place helps ensure that an assisted-living facility will respect a resident's wishes for end-of-life care.
PAYING FINAL RESPECTS - YOUR RIGHTS WHEN BUYING FUNERAL GOODS & SERVICES
Source: Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
An easy-to-understand guide to your rights under The Funeral Rule - a FTC regulation that mandates price transparency and prohibits deceptive practices in the funeral industry, and enables consumers to compare prices and buy from third-party sellers.
PAYING FINAL RESPECTS - YOUR RIGHTS WHEN BUYING FUNERAL GOODS & SERVICES
Source: Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
An easy-to-understand guide to your rights under The Funeral Rule - a FTC regulation that mandates price transparency and prohibits deceptive practices in the funeral industry, and enables consumers to compare prices and buy from third-party sellers.
COMMON FUNERAL MYTHS
Source: Funeral Consumers Alliance
An overview of common funeral myths in our society, as well as the facts debunking these myths.
(The Funeral Consumers Alliance has several extraordinarily informative and helpful pamphlets regarding death-related topics.
DID YOU KNOW?
Source: Die Well Death Education & Last Things & Funeral Consumers Alliance of Maine
An overview of your rights and options for after-death care in Maine.
ALKALINE HYDROLYSIS (WATER CREMATION) IN MAINE
Source: Direct Cremation of Maine
Normally, I would not promote any particular funeral service provider, but given that Direct Cremation of Maine in Belfast is the only establishment in the state to offer Alkaline Hydrolysis, I have included their pamphlet in this packet. (And Katie Riposta and her team are truly lovely to deal with.)
STATE OF MAINE - MAKING FINAL ARRANGEMENTS BY AUTHORIZED PERSONS
Source: Maine.gov
An overview of the State of Maine's regulations regarding who has decision-making rights for the final arrangements of a decedent, as well as other applicable regulations and laws.