Why people with chronic illness need a will

Taking control, not giving up

Being diagnosed with a chronic illness doesn’t mean the end is near. Many people live for years or decades with conditions like diabetes, heart disease, MS, or cancer. But it does mean thinking about the future — and that includes your estate.

Making a will isn’t about admitting defeat. It’s about ensuring that whatever happens, the people you love are protected.

Capacity matters — act while you can

One of the most important reasons to make a will now: legal capacity.

To make a valid will, you need to:

Understand what you’re doing
Know what assets you have
Understand who might expect to benefit
Not be unduly influenced by others

Some illnesses can affect cognitive function over time. Making your will while you clearly have capacity protects against later challenges.

⚠️ Important: If there's any concern about your capacity, consider having a doctor assess and document it when you make your will. This can prevent challenges later.

Powers of Attorney are equally important

A will only takes effect when you die. But chronic illness might mean periods where you can’t manage your own affairs while still alive.

You need:

Enduring Power of Attorney (Financial):

Someone to pay your bills, manage investments, deal with Centrelink
Access your bank accounts if you can’t
Make financial decisions on your behalf

Medical Power of Attorney / Advance Care Directive:

Someone to make health decisions if you can’t
Your wishes about treatment documented
Instructions about life support, resuscitation, comfort care

🇦🇺 In Australia: Each state has different names and forms for these documents. Check what's required in your state — NSW, VIC, QLD all have different systems.

Treatment costs and your estate

Chronic illness often comes with costs:

Medications
Medical appointments
Hospital stays
Home modifications
Care assistance

Consider:

Have you budgeted for ongoing care costs?
Will there be anything left for beneficiaries?
Does your estate plan account for potential care needs?
Should you consider funeral prepayment to reduce burden?

Protecting your dependants

If you have people depending on you:

Children — Appoint guardians and set up testamentary trusts
Spouse/partner — Ensure they’re provided for, especially if they’ve been caring for you
Elderly parents — Consider who continues to support them

Your illness might mean less earning time. Life insurance, income protection, and careful planning become more important.

Having conversations now

Many people avoid talking about illness and death. But having conversations while you’re well enough makes things easier:

Tell your family what you want
Discuss end-of-life care preferences
Explain where important documents are
Introduce them to your financial situation
Ensure your wishes are understood

These conversations are a gift to your family, sparing them from guessing later.

Choosing the right executor

With a chronic illness, your executor might need to act sooner than expected. Choose someone who:

Is readily available
Understands your situation
Can work with medical and care providers
Is emotionally prepared for the role
Has the practical skills to manage your estate

Consider having a backup executor given the uncertainty.

Review regularly

Unlike a healthy person who might review their will every few years, you may want to review more often:

When your condition changes
After major treatments
If care arrangements change
When family circumstances shift
Annually at minimum

What to do now

Make or update your will while you clearly have capacity
Create Enduring Powers of Attorney (financial and medical)
Complete an Advance Care Directive
Have conversations with your family about your wishes
Organise your important documents where they can be found
Review your insurance coverage
Use our Preparation Checklist to gather what you need

💡 Peace of mind: Getting your affairs in order isn't depressing — it's empowering. Knowing your family is protected lets you focus on living, not worrying.