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Planning for the Future: A Compassionate Guide

14th March 2025

Losing a loved one is never easy, and dealing with practical matters during a time of grief can feel overwhelming. Take a look at our advice for planning ahead to help in the future.

Losing a loved one is never easy, and dealing with practical matters during a time of grief can feel overwhelming. Planning ahead and organising important information can significantly ease the burden on your family and friends.

We understand that conversations around death and dying are not easy, but having that conversation and a plan in place can ultimately help your loved ones and bring you peace of mind.

Here are five top tips you can use for helping you to make sure you’re wishes are known and understood:

1. Write a Legally Valid Will

Creating a Will is one of the most important things you can do to ensure your wishes are respected after your death. Without a valid Will, your estate may be distributed according to UK intestacy rules, which may not reflect your intentions.

Did you know?

You can write a free Will with Bequeathed in as little as three easy steps. Take a look here on our website for more information.

You can also support KEMP Hospice when making a Will with Talbots Law and their Will for Good scheme. When you make a Will and mention KEMP Hospice, they will donate 50% of the fee to KEMP Hospice. Find out more about Talbots Will for Good for KEMP Hospice.

You could also consider leaving a Gift in your Will. This can help make sure we can continue to offer compassionate care, free of charge to thousands of people and their families each year.

KEMP Hospice would always recommend you seek professional legal advice when writing a Will or leaving a gift to a charity.

2. Safely Store Important Documents

Keep vital documents such as your Will, birth and marriage certificates, property deeds, insurance policies, and pension details in a secure and accessible place. Inform a trusted person of their location – whether that’s a secure file at home or with a solicitor.

3. Make Your Funeral Wishes Known

Clearly outlining your funeral preferences – whether for burial, cremation, or a specific type of service – can reduce stress for your loved ones. You may also want to consider prepaid funeral plans to ease the financial burden.

4. Manage Your Digital Legacy

In the digital age, it’s essential to organise your online presence. Make a list of your social media accounts, email addresses, and online subscriptions, along with any necessary login details. You may also consider using a secure password manager to store this information safely, but don’t make a list of passwords that is easily accessed.

If you’d like further information about your digital legacy and planning ahead, take a look at this post on our website.

5. Appoint a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)

Granting someone you trust the legal authority to make decisions on your behalf, if you’re no longer able to, can make a significant difference. In England and Wales, there are two types of LPA: Health and Welfare, and Property and Financial Affairs.

For more information, Money Saving Expert provides a comprehensive guide to a Lasting Power of Attorney.

Why Planning Ahead Matters

Taking these steps now will give you and your loved ones peace of mind. Thoughtful planning reduces stress during an already challenging time and ensures your wishes are carried out.

How KEMP can help

At KEMP we have a Finance and Welfare Advisor who can help to navigate practical and issues to lessen stress and relieve some pressure for those affected by life-limiting illness of bereavement.

KEMP Financial and Welfare advice is available to all KEMP service users and those who meet the following criteria: