Is this a good business idea?

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

It's not crazy at all—what you're describing is potentially a very thoughtful and much-needed service, particularly as Baby Boomers and others with serious illnesses or aging concerns look to regain control over their final years and plan for the future. You're creating a niche in end-of-life planning and life management that combines life coaching, estate planning, and concierge services.

Here are a few thoughts on your concept:

Is This a Life Coach?

In a sense, yes—you're coaching people through the end-of-life process, but your role would be much more specialized. A life coach typically focuses on goal-setting, personal development, and helping clients achieve broader life goals. You would focus on practical life goals and the specific details of ensuring that all aspects of someone's end-of-life planning and legacy are handled with care, respect, and precision.

End-of-Life Event Planner

Yes, this would be more akin to an "End-of-Life Event Planner," though it could be broader. You're helping people organize not just their final events but also their entire end-of-life process—financial, emotional, legal, personal, and even social. It's about ensuring that all the details are covered and that the person can feel at peace with how things will unfold.

Is There a Market for This?

Definitely in some markets, yes. There's an emerging market for services that focus on the aging population and people with terminal diagnoses who want to maintain control over how they live and die. Baby Boomers are now entering their 70s and 80s, and they are keen to make sure that their affairs are in order—not just legally but also emotionally and personally.

You're also tapping into a broader trend in aging services that includes:

• Legacy planning (ensuring their wishes are carried out after death)
• Holistic care (emotional, physical, and mental well-being in the last stages of life)
• Personalized end-of-life care (planning for funeral, memorial, and family dynamics)
• Specialty services for veterans, pets, and specific family needs

The growing awareness of the need for these services presents a solid business opportunity.

Legal Protection and Oversight

• To ensure that you stay within legal boundaries and protect your clients, you would definitely need to partner with legal and financial professionals, such as estate planning attorneys and financial advisors. These experts can provide the necessary legal framework for powers of Attorney, wills, and living trusts and assist with the probate process.

In addition to hiring a lawyer for these matters, you could:

• Partner with a financial institution or a trusted lawyer to safeguard assets and facilitate the transfer of funds or property.
• Encourage family mediation when families may have differing views about end-of-life decisions.
• Use contracts or agreements that clearly outline your services and your client's wishes to protect both parties.

Two Levels of Service

I like the idea of offering two levels of service:

• Life Living: Helping clients live the best life they can in their final years by assisting with their personal goals, wellness, and enjoyment.
• End-of-Life Planning: Taking care of the logistical, legal, and emotional elements of their death and the transition of their estate, ensuring their wishes are executed—regardless of family dynamics.

This can be tailored to different client needs, with the first option for those well enough and the second for those in later stages of illness or aging.

Starting Your Business

• Start small and scale gradually. You could start by offering consulting or advisory services on end-of-life planning, helping people organize their wills, power of Attorney, and funeral arrangements. As you grow, you could expand to include travel planning, wellness services, and other aspects of life management.
• Computer skills and networking. Gaining computer skills will help you run the business efficiently. You could also focus on mastering tools for client management and legal documentation (like estate planning software).
• Collaboration with insurance and legal firms. Partnering with insurance companies to help clients plan their life insurance and estates will make your business more comprehensive. You could also seek a network of trusted attorneys for courtroom legalization and will validation.

Steps to Consider

• Research the legalities. Understand the rules for running this type of business in your state, particularly around caregiving, financial advising, and legal documentation.
• Network with lawyers and insurance companies. Develop legal and financial planning partnerships, ensuring compliance with regulations and clients' needs.
• Marketing. Focus on educating your target audience—people nearing the end of their lives or with serious illnesses—through content marketing, online webinars, and partnerships with healthcare providers or senior living communities.
• Get certified or train. If appropriate for your business model, consider additional certifications in life coaching, end-of-life planning, or financial planning.

Summary

This isn't "crazy" at all—it's actually a highly valuable service. As more people seek to take control of their lives and legacies, the need for thoughtful, organized end-of-life planning will only grow. You're offering a much-needed blend of legal, financial, and personal services to help your clients live their last years to the fullest while ensuring their final wishes are honored.

If you're passionate about this, I think you can create a niche market that blends life coaching with practical end-of-life services.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth