This question from one of our visitors illustrates why it is so important to have your wishes clearly spelled out when it comes to final plans, as well as appointing a health care proxy. There is no national or local information registry for final plans, and usually calling around to area funeral homes will not be any help – in today’s age of information privacy, funeral directors are limited in what information they can give out.
Family members also may not want to share final plans with others when they feel it may bring conflict. Final plans can be a very personal and private subject, so be understanding if a loved one chooses not to share details with you. Just make sure he or she has their final directives in a place that their appointed health care proxy or executor/trix can easily access when the time comes, and reassure them that their wishes will be respected and followed by those who love them.