“By encountering death many thousands of times, I have come to a view that there is usually little to fear and much to prepare for.”
Kathryn Mannix, With the End in Mind
What is End of Life Planning?
It's the process of thinking through, recording and sharing your wishes for future care and treatment - based on what you value and what’s important to you - so that if you ever become too unwell to speak for yourself, your voice is still heard.
It covers how you want to be cared for and by whom, where you want to be, what medical treatments you do or don't want, your funeral wishes, your digital legacy, and something of your life story and the legacy you want to leave behind.
Done well, it brings peace of mind not just for you, but for everyone who loves you. You don't need to be ill or elderly - the unexpected can happen at any time - and most people find that once they get started, it actually feels good.
Why Does It Matter?
Most of us hope for a good death - to be comfortable, with the people we love and cared for in a way that feels right.
Research shows that people who plan ahead are significantly more likely to receive care, and die, in their preferred place, to have better quality care including good pain management, and have families who experience less stress, anxiety and depression.
Yet most people haven't taken those steps. Over two thirds of UK adults have never heard of advance care planning, nearly half don't have a will and fewer than one in ten have recorded their funeral wishes.
Planning for your end of life is not about giving up, and it doesn't tempt fate. It is about helping make sure things go the way you would want - so why wait?
Need Some Help?
Most of us know that planning for our end of life is a good idea.
Maybe you've made a start but somehow stalled. Maybe the conversation with your partner or parents feels too difficult to open. Maybe you simply don't know what to do, where to begin or feel fearful of the topic, or size of the task.
I offer a structured and personal process that helps you get this important job done - so your wishes are known, your voice will be heard, and your loved ones are spared from guesswork at a difficult time.
You don't need to be ill or elderly to work with me, you can do advance planning at any time - and idealy before you need it. We can work together in person in Totnes (Devon), or online if you live further afield.
Whether you work with me, or find your own way through, I believe completing this plan is one of the most loving things you can do — for yourself, and for the people who matter most to you.
How We Work Together
Planning for the future can feel overwhelming, but we'll take it step by step, entirely at your pace.
Free Initial Conversation
We begin with a free, 30-minute call to discuss your situation and see how I might help. You can tell me what you have already done, and I can explain more about the process. I'll answer any questions and you can decide if you wish to move forward.
Our Sessions
We will typically meet for 4 to 6 sessions, usually for 2 hours. The sessions are spaced 2 to 3 weeks apart giving you plenty of time between meetings to complete any actions e.g. reflecting on your wishes, gathering documents, having conversations with loved ones.
But the timing, duration and number of sessions is very flexible depending on your needs, and what you have done so far.
Approach
I will guide you with questions, prompts and examples to clarify your values, wishes and decisions. Then I turn these into documents for you to share and discuss with loved ones.
I also provide practical help with Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) and can connect you with trusted will-writers.
The Result
By the end, you'll have a complete End of Life Plan in both digital and paper formats, for sharing with your family and medical teams. We will set up an annual reminder to help keep things up to date.
Pricing
I believe in simple and transparent pricing - I charge £45 per hour. The total cost will depend mainly on how much you have yet to do!
For example, a typical 'full' process takes 4 to 6 two-hourly sessions, which costs between £360 and £540 in total. I also offer one off support or review sessions by the hour.
My hourly rate already includes any follow-up time I need to create your documents etc. So you only pay for the time we are together.
A few additional costs may apply e.g. registering a LPA carries a government fee. Will-writers charge, or you can access will writing services via charities such as Rowcroft Hospice, for a donation.
Location
We can meet in person at my private work space in central Totnes (Devon) or we can work together online if you live further away.
Your End of Life Plan will include:
Will
We'll make sure you have an up to date and valid will in place. I am not a will writer but I can signpost you.
LPAs
Lasting Powers of Attorney which appoint trusted others to make care and/or financial decisions on your behalf.
Advance Statement
Your preferences and values for future health and care to help professionals and loved ones make the right decisions.
Advance Decision
Advance Directive/Living Will lets you refuse specific life-sustaining medical treatments if you lose capacity.
Funeral Wishes
Your requests and preferences for care of your body, and how you wish to be honoured and celebrated.
Digital Legacy
Clear instructions for managing and accessing your online accounts, socials, and digital assets of value.
Your Legacy
What you want others to know of your life story so far, and what legacy you are leaving behind.
End of Life Plan Folder
The satisfaction of knowing everything is in order for those you love - and they know where to find it!
From My Clients
People I have supported with end of life planning
"A friend's experience, after his wife died, made me realise the importance of having everything in place before death so loved ones can focus on grieving not paperwork. Fiona’s guidance and thoughtful questions helped me move beyond resistance to clarify my wishes. Thanks to her gentle accountability I now have in place legal and practical aspects, details of emotional ones, medical care, legacy and funeral wishes." HT
"I had intended to take care of organising my end of life wishes for a while but it seemed a lot to navigate. Fiona provided a meaningful map for that journey with empathy and sound practical know how. As a result of my process with her, something has settled in me knowing that my views and wishes are available when needed, and making it easier for those I leave behind." LB
"Fiona's guidance helped me to see my life through a different lens and by getting me to look at what really supports and nourishes me when I am most vulnerable, to also recognise the capacities I have developed which will help me to face my death. Working with her on preparing for end of life has been so supportive - she helped me to actually put in place all the things I had been intending to do for years." SC
While you can absolutely do this planning on your own - and the links on my resources page can help you get started - I'm here if you want someone alongside you.
Often, the hardest part is beginning. If you'd like a friendly, no pressure, free conversation about where to start, I'd be happy to hear from you.