Marie Curie Launches End-of-Life Checklist to Ease Stress

Published: 28 October 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Marie Curie, the UK’s leading end-of-life care charity, has introduced a comprehensive end-of-life checklist designed to help individuals plan their care and wishes in advance, reducing stress for both themselves and their families during critical times. The initiative aims to encourage people to consider and document their preferences before they face terminal illness or crisis, offering practical guidance on aspects ranging from legal arrangements to funerals, pets, and even digital legacies.

The checklist, developed in consultation with clinicians and end-of-life care specialists, is divided into five key categories. These cover legal and financial matters, people and pets important to the individual, advance care planning, funeral and wake arrangements, and creating memories or messages for loved ones. By addressing these areas, the charity hopes to make the process of end-of-life planning less daunting and more structured, ensuring that people’s wishes are respected and followed.

A recent survey conducted by Opinion Matters for Marie Curie highlighted the urgency of such planning. Among more than 4,200 respondents, 56 per cent admitted they tend to defer end-of-life thoughts until their health seriously declines or they receive a terminal diagnosis. However, nearly two-thirds (63 per cent) acknowledged that delaying such planning can lead to significant additional stress during an already challenging time. This underscores the importance of early preparation to prevent unnecessary confusion or anxiety for both individuals and their families.

The survey also revealed that many people lack guidance on how to begin end-of-life planning. Approximately 38 per cent of participants indicated that they did not know where to find reliable information or support. Additionally, 36 per cent had not given any thought to their own end-of-life care, and around one in four (26 per cent) only started considering it once they reached 65 years of age. These figures illustrate a widespread need for accessible resources and structured guidance that can help demystify the process and make it more manageable for the general public.

Cultural and psychological barriers also play a role. Around 27 per cent of respondents admitted to perceiving death as a taboo topic, while 31 per cent said it was too frightening to confront. About a quarter of people said they avoid discussing end-of-life issues entirely, fearing it might burden their families with difficult conversations or emotional distress. This avoidance often exacerbates stress during critical times, leaving loved ones uncertain about how to honour the individual’s wishes.

Marie Curie nurse Emma-May Ward emphasized the benefits of early and clear conversations. “While planning may not make illness or death any easier, having those conversations ensures that everyone understands the person’s wishes and reduces pressure at a very difficult time,” she said. Ward stressed that written documentation, combined with communication with healthcare providers, greatly increases the likelihood that a person will receive the care and end-of-life experience they desire.

The checklist offers practical suggestions, beginning with legal and financial matters. It encourages people to prepare wills, review insurance policies, and ensure that all relevant documents are accessible. Additionally, individuals are prompted to consider guardianship arrangements for children, instructions regarding pets, and the management of personal belongings or estates. These steps are vital to ensuring that decisions are carried out smoothly and according to the individual’s preferences, minimizing the potential for disputes or confusion among family members.

The “people, pets, and things important to me” section focuses on personal relationships and daily care priorities. Individuals are encouraged to document who they would like to be involved in their care, whether family members, friends, or professional carers. They are also urged to consider the welfare of their pets, including arrangements for care or rehoming. Even seemingly small details, such as which family members should receive personal keepsakes, help create clarity and peace of mind for both the individual and those left behind.

Advance care planning forms a critical part of the checklist. This includes specifying preferred treatment options, decisions about resuscitation, and the setting in which the individual wishes to receive care — whether at home, in a hospice, or in a hospital. By clearly communicating these preferences to healthcare providers, individuals can ensure that their choices are respected, and families are spared the additional burden of making difficult decisions in the moment.

Funeral and wake arrangements are also included. The checklist invites people to consider the type of ceremony they wish for, religious or cultural traditions, music, and even specific rituals or readings they may want to be included. It also addresses options for wakes or celebrations of life, helping loved ones understand how to honour the individual’s memory in a meaningful and respectful way. This forward planning can ease the emotional burden on family and friends during the grieving process.

Finally, the checklist encourages creating and leaving behind personal memories. This can include letters, video messages, or voice recordings for family and friends. It also prompts individuals to make a “bucket list” of things they would like to do before they die, encouraging reflection on personal priorities and a sense of closure. By leaving tangible memories and instructions, individuals provide comfort to loved ones and ensure that their values and wishes continue to be recognised.

Emma-May Ward emphasized the importance of sharing these plans with both family and medical professionals. “Ensuring your plans and preferences are written down and communicated increases the chance of getting the end of life you wish for. From where you’d like to be cared for, who you’d like to visit, religious traditions to follow, or simply the music you’d like played in your room, clarity removes unnecessary stress for everyone involved,” she said.

The initiative also seeks to tackle societal taboos around death and end-of-life discussions. By providing a clear and structured framework, Marie Curie hopes to empower individuals to take control of their final wishes, rather than leaving families to make difficult decisions under pressure. The charity believes that normalizing these conversations is essential for reducing stress and improving overall wellbeing at the end of life.

In addition to the checklist itself, Marie Curie plans to make additional resources available online, including guides, FAQs, and workshops to assist people in navigating complex decisions. These resources are aimed at demystifying legal procedures, explaining medical options, and providing guidance on sensitive conversations, ensuring that end-of-life planning is accessible to a broad range of individuals regardless of age or background.

Experts highlight that structured planning can also have practical benefits beyond emotional comfort. Clear documentation can prevent delays in care, reduce misunderstandings between medical professionals and family members, and prevent legal disputes. It ensures that resources are allocated according to the individual’s preferences, making healthcare delivery more efficient and aligned with personal values.

Ultimately, Marie Curie’s checklist represents a comprehensive tool for addressing one of life’s most challenging topics. By encouraging reflection, documentation, and open communication, the charity aims to remove stress and uncertainty from end-of-life care. It empowers individuals to make proactive decisions about their legacy, healthcare, and personal relationships, ensuring that their final wishes are respected and their loved ones are supported during times of grief.

As the UK population ages and public awareness of end-of-life issues grows, initiatives such as Marie Curie’s checklist are expected to play an increasingly important role. They provide a structured, compassionate approach to planning for death — a topic that, while difficult, is essential for ensuring dignity, clarity, and peace of mind.