How it can help
Planning what you want to happen after your death can save your loved ones a lot of worry, and make things less stressful for you too.
We’ve listed some important things to think about below. They are all straightforward, but can make a big difference in the long term.
Making a Will
Making a Will means it’s clear what you want to happen to your money and possessions after you die. You can include any wishes for your funeral too.
Putting one in place now makes life a lot easier for your loved ones in the future. If you die without writing a Will, your possessions are given out based on set rules, rather than on your wishes.
Writing a simple Will is straightforward. You can get started using packs available from banks, shops and supermarkets. It’s a good idea to then get a solicitor to check your Will, to make sure you’ve covered everything.
For more information, visit citizensadvice.org.uk/family/death-and-wills/wills/
Making a funeral plan
There are lots of options you can think about for your funeral. You can leave written wishes explaining what kind of funeral you would like with your loved ones, make arrangements with a funeral director or include your wishes in your Will.
Even if you don’t write anything down, having a conversation with family or friends can make things a lot easier for everyone. It can put your mind at rest. You can find more information on how to arrange a funeral at hospiceuk.org/arrange-a-funeral
Planning for your future care
It’s a good idea to think about what you would like to happen if you get seriously ill or lose the capacity to make decisions yourself. You can talk to your family or a health professional like your GP about this.
You might want to think about the sort of care you’d like, where you’d like to be cared for, any treatments you don’t want to have and who you’d like to make decisions if you’re no longer able to. You could start by asking yourself *“What’s important to me?”*
It’s important to write down your plans so you have a record of them. You can ask a doctor or nurse for an advance care planning form, and give the completed version to your loved ones.
Deciding about organ donation
The laws on donating organs are different in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
You can find out what applies where you are at organdonation.nhs.uk
Thinking about technology – from social media to your phone
Many of us have all kinds of information online. Often everything is protected by passwords too. It’s a good idea to decide what you want to happen to all of your data after you die, and to let someone know so they can carry out your wishes. The Digital Legacy Association website has a lot of information that can help: digitallegacyassocation.org
Letting your loved ones know
Once you’ve put everything in place, try to talk it through with the people closest to you. It can be helpful to ask for their input, especially if you want them to carry out your wishes.
Let your loved ones know where any documents about your care, funeral or wishes are kept.
You may find keeping them all in one place useful, and tools like a jotter could help.
For more information on getting organised before you die, visit hospiceuk.org/planning-ahead
Download a pdf of the HospiceUK Getting organised before you die leaflet
Dying Matters is a campaign run by www.hospiceuk.org
