Resources
It's perfectly possible to do your own end of life planning - especially if you are an organised and motivated person. There are plenty of great resources out there and organisations that can offer specific advice. If you prefer to DIY here are a few things to help get you started.
Starting the conversation
Many people put off these conversations - these resources can help make them easier:
Age UK provides a practical, intergenerational Let's Talk About Death and Dying Guide designed to help you/your family to discuss wishes, fears, and funeral plans more comfortably.
Hospice UK provides a range of resources including a planning ahead tool for care, and their Dying Matters Podcast which focuses on breaking the taboo of talking about death.
Make a will
Your will lets you decide what happens to your money, property and possessions after your death. You can write your will yourself, but you should get advice if your will is not straightforward. You need to get your will formally witnessed and signed to make it legally valid.
This government website gives advice about making a will.
Some charities - for example our local Rowcroft Hospice - offer a free will writing service through a linked solicitor. You can make a donation or leave a legacy gift to the charity if you wish.
Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)
A LPA is a legal document that lets you appoint one or more people to help you make decisions, or to make decisions on your behalf. This gives you more control over what happens to you if you have an accident or an illness and cannot make your own decisions.
There are 2 types of LPA - health and welfare, and property and financial affairs - you can choose to make one or both. Each LPA currently costs £92 to register.
Make, register or end a LPA on the Office of the Public Guardian website.
Practical matters
If you prefer to do things offline you can ask Age UK to send you a “LifeBook”, a physical, fill-in-the-blank booklet that helps you record practical day-to-day details, as well as access info for your main online accounts.
It ensures loved ones have immediate access to things like your insurance information, funeral wishes, important contacts and so on, without having to search through paperwork or guess where things are kept.