Planning Ahead in England
How to plan ahead when a loved one is approaching end of life in England — Wills, Power of Attorney, organ donation, advance decisions, palliative care, and funeral planning.
- Have the conversation — gently and together. Ask what matters to them: where they would like to be cared for, what kind of service they would want, and any final wishes. Write these down together.
- Help them put legal affairs in order. Ensure there is an up-to-date Will and consider setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) for welfare and finances while they still have capacity. A solicitor can help with both.
- Gather and organise important documents together: birth certificate, marriage certificate, passport, pension details, insurance policies, bank accounts, property deeds, and utility bills. Keep copies in one safe place.
- Discuss organ and tissue donation wishes. In England, the law is opt-out (deemed consent) — unless they opted out or are in an excluded group. Check if they are on the NHS Organ Donor Register and record their decision clearly.
- Record their Advance Decision (Living Will) if they wish. An Advance Decision to Refuse Treatment lets them specify which treatments they would not want if they lose capacity. A DNACPR form can also be discussed with their GP.
- Consider a funeral plan or pre-paid arrangement. They may want to choose between burial and cremation, pick readings or music, or meet funeral directors now. Pre-paid plans can lock in costs.
- Identify who will take the lead when the time comes. Discuss who will be the executor of the Will, who will register the death (within 5 days), and who will handle practical matters.
- Connect with palliative care and support services. Ask their GP about community palliative care, hospice referrals, Marie Curie nurses, and NHS Continuing Healthcare funding.
- Consider what legacy and memories they would like to leave — letters to loved ones, voice recordings, photo albums, recipes, or a memory box.
- Check eligibility for Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, or NHS Continuing Healthcare. Macmillan Cancer Support also offers financial guidance.