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There are few moments in life as challenging as navigating the loss of a parent. Even when families are close and communication is open, the practical side of final arrangements can feel overwhelming. Questions arise that no one thought to ask. Important details go missing. Decisions feel heavy, and grief makes everything harder.
At Home Carers, we see how deeply families long for clarity — not just in daily care, but in planning for the future. That’s why we’re proud to feature the ‘When I Die’ workbook, a thoughtful, practical resource created to help individuals record essential personal information, wishes, and end-of-life preferences in one safe place. Rather than being a confronting task, the workbook turns preparation into an act of love: a gift of reassurance for the people left behind.
About the Author: Kathryn Perks
The workbook was created by Kathryn Perks, who understands firsthand the confusion and emotional weight that can follow the death of a parent. When Kathryn’s mother passed away, she realised how uncertain she felt about what her mum would have wanted — and how little practical information she had access to.
In that moment, she discovered a gap that so many families experience:
A simple, compassionate place for people to record important details before the time comes.
From this need, the ‘When I Die’ workbook was born. Its success led to the creation of an international edition, ‘Dying to Tell You,’ helping families around the world navigate the same journey.
Kathryn spent more than 20 years working as an administrator in Australia before returning home to Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand. When she’s not writing or supporting families through her workbooks, she enjoys yoga, walking, and playing guitar.
About the Workbook: ‘When I Die’
‘When I Die’ is a workbook for individuals to record personal details, end of life plans and preferences in one place, providing clarity for your family or executor when finalising your estate.
The workbook includes space for who to notify and how, personal notes, funeral preferences, key documents, property, business, insurance and financial information, and more. Thoughtfully designed and easy to complete, ‘When I Die’ guides people through decisions step-by-step and removes uncertainty for those left behind.
👉 Learn more about the workbook at www.whenidie.co.nz
Why This Workbook Matters for Older Adults
For many older New Zealanders, planning ahead is not about fear — it’s about kindness. It’s about easing the load for the people they love most. The ‘When I Die’ workbook helps older adults by:
- Providing a sense of control and peace over future decisions
- Strengthening communication with family members
- Ensuring their preferences are respected and clearly understood
- Relieving loved ones of uncertainty during an emotional time
- Reducing the administrative overwhelm that commonly follows a death
- Turning difficult conversations into opportunities for connection
Families often say the workbook brought them comfort long before it was ever needed — simply because everything was organised, accessible, and expressed in the person’s own words.
How to Order the ‘When I Die’ Workbook?
To order the ‘When I Die’ workbook or request more information :
- Call: (021) 255 8839 – Kathryn
- Email: whenidie.info@gmail.com
- Order Online: www.whenidie.co.nz
For compassionate in-home care that supports independence, dignity, and peace of mind at every stage, visit www.homecarers.co.nz.
Together, we help families prepare with clarity — and live each day with confidence.