Making A Personal File
The referenced article (below) talks about a lady who was facing death with 
Cancer and she was worried about her family knowing certain things she wanted done in case she died. She created a thing called the 'Uh Oh File'" which contained practical information as well the personal details like "I want John Tavernas' Hallelujah played at my funeral to an array of things." Or, "Who I want to write my obituary" and all the notes for it. A simple notebook containing this information can be a valuable gift to your family. Just make a folder (or notebook) called "UhOh File" or "My Personal File" and jot down some important information to help your family. Somethings you could put in there would be:
Forms You Can Use
Personal Records
Valuable Records
Where to Find My Important Papers
Sections To Include
Things like your name, maiden name, address, National Insurance number, etc. to identify who you are. It would probably help to write something that says "This is the personal file of (fill in your name) and contains things I would like done in case of an emergency or my death." and leave a place for you to sign it and someone to witness your signature. After then, no one needs to be looking into your file unless you want them to! Using one of those notebooks with sleeves for sticking documents, etc. would probably work best.
Some things to consider including are:
DNR * DNR (do not resuscitate order) if you have one, put it in there. If not write a few words how you feel about extra ordinary measures being taken to extend your life if your heart stopped for any reason. If you don't have one ask your doctor or local hospital for one to fill out that reflects your state laws. To see a sample of one Click here for sample DNR form
DNR Bracelet Or, you can get a bracelet with DNR on it to wear. This would be a med alert bracelet and those must include your name and address, and the name and telephone number of doctor. Ask your doctor or local hospital where you can get one of these or click here to read more about companies that supply medic alert bracelets/jewellery.
Health Care Surrogate **
If you weren't able to make your own decisions, who would you want to be allowed to make them for you? This person should know you and understand your wishes about medical treatments. He or she can only make decisions if you became unable to do so yourself. For further information on this click here.
Financial Documents - Hiding Places
* If someone else isn't on your checking, savings, stocks, bonds, etc. you may want to consider adding their name.
* If nothing else, write down all the things you have and where to find them (yes, even those hidden "mad money" bank books).
* Also write down any credit cards you may have and who to contact. Any debts (places you owe money to) who maybe contacting the family?
Personal Papers To Be Included
Marriage, birth and divorce certificates, life insurance policies, etc. should all be in a lock box somewhere but if they're hidden in a candy-box under your bed, be sure to note where they can be found! Some insurance and other facilities/people might need copies of these after you're gone.
Obituary - What Do You Want In It?
Not a pleasant subject but we've all read them and some are pretty dull. If you want anything special about your life included in your own obituary, write it down so someone will know what to put.
* If you have a favorite picture of yourself you want used, put one in this section of your file too.
* Also the names of special family members. To include friends and anything outside the immediate family will become a "paid" obituary and have an extra cost with any newspaper.
* Also, make sure you say where you would like any donations made too. Newspapers require a release from that organization to include their address.
People You Want Contacted
Yes, your family probably knows the immediate people to contact. But, do you have an old friend or others you want to know if you have died? Include their name and how to get in contact with them.
What about your on-line friends or support groups? Include a list of who they are, their email addresses, etc. so that someone can send a message from your computer to them. You may even want to write the note, yourself, that you want sent.
Funeral Arrangements - Your Last Wishes
* Do you want a funeral? A viewing?
* Or maybe just a Memorial Service where people get together to honor and remember the good things in your life? Or both?
* How about music? Any favorite songs you'd like played?
* Do you have a favorite flower?
* For a Memorial Service, any favorite place you'd like it to be held?
* How about a lasting memorial - would you want a tree or something like that planted in your name?
* Or how about a bench with a favorite (short) quote to be engraved on it?
Write all these things down here in your file.
Will
If you have a will it's a good idea to add it to your file. If you haven't written a will now would be a good time to do so! For information on writing a will click here.
You could also write down in your file who you want to get special things you own. This can help defray some possible bickering among relatives after you've gone.
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