A guest blog by Rachel Lewis, founder of Presenting Your Past and The Life Story Team, on how Life Story Books can enrich future care planning, with practical tips for families and professionals supporting people in later life to bring connection and meaning to the process.
At the heart of future care planning is a simple but vital question: Who is this person, really? Not just their medical needs or legal arrangements, but their values, memories, hopes, and identity. That’s where Life Story Books come in. They bridge the gap between the practical and the personal, helping people feel seen, understood, and valued within the systems that support them.
I’ll never forget one of my early clients – Peter. He was preparing to move into a care home after receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis. Peter asked me to help him create a Life Story Book because, in his words, “I want them to see that I’m not some clueless old duffer!”
Peter had been a doctor in the Royal Navy, then spent over 30 years as a GP. He was familiar with care planning and was meticulous in organising his own. He even ordered 12 copies of his book – some for the care staff, the rest for his funeral and wake. It was a privilege to support him, providing a sense of dignity, respect, and connection as he prepared for his final stage of life.
Peter was probably a one-off in the direct and pragmatic way he approached his care. Most of my clients create Life Story Books to mark a milestone – perhaps a significant birthday or to preserve family history. But regardless of the motivation, the benefits are the same. Research shows that life story work boosts confidence, connection, and self-worth. And when care staff can read or contribute to a book, the quality of person-centred care improves too.
In the context of future planning, Life Story Books can also help people clarify what matters most, supporting decisions about future care. They spark joy and self-reflection, especially in group settings. In our group Memories and Milestones project, the final session is devoted to “Words of Wisdom, Reflections and Bucket Lists.” Looking back helps people look forward and take ownership of their own narratives.
One participant told us, “I’d forgotten how much I’ve done in my life. It felt good to see it all in one place. I’ve also particularly enjoyed having the opportunity to reflect on my life and think about what’s most important to me. It’s made me realise how much I’ve done in my life, and how much I still hope to do.”
That simple recognition can be powerfully affirming. It also helped her reconnect with past achievements and pleasures as she considered what she wanted for the future.
Tips for Introducing Life Story Work
As with all future planning, it’s important to raise the topic gently. Here are a few accessible ways in:
1. Start with a story—it’s not a form-filling exercise
Invite someone to tell you about a favourite food, a childhood memory, or a time they felt proud. These gentle prompts are far less daunting than asking someone to “write their life story.”
2. Use everyday milestones
We use themes like Childhood, School Days, People in My Life, Holidays, and Hobbies as anchors. Even someone who thinks they’ve “nothing to say” often lights up when asked, “Who was your favourite teacher?”
3. Frame it as a gift
Life Story Books can serve as a lasting legacy for children or grandchildren, or as a means for care workers to gain insight into someone’s background. This framing helps people see the value.
4. Make it social
Tea, coffee, and lots of biscuits fuel our group sessions! Group storytelling isn’t just fun; it jogs memories, encourages shared reminiscence, and fosters connection.
Overcoming Common Hurdles
“I don’t have a story.”
Everyone does. Use photos, music, or food to jog memories and start conversations.
Time and capacity
Even short, informal chats can yield rich material. Voice notes can be transcribed later.
Difficult memories
People are in control of what they share. Life Story Books only need to include what they want to preserve.
Formats and Flexibility
Life Story work comes in many shapes and sizes. There are apps, iPad-based multimedia projects, and professional biography services that can cost thousands.
Personally, I favour the old-fashioned book. It needs no power source, it’s easy to share, and you can re-order copies at any time. I use an online British printer, Bob Books, which offers free design software, excellent print quality, and a brilliant customer service team.
How you create the book is also key – an AI-based app or ghostwriting service may result in a glossy finished product, but to me, it takes the joy out of the process.
As one of my group clients said,
“I feel that my relationships with other people have been deepened through empathy. I have felt more confident in opening up to others as the weeks went on and have felt a sense of pride in having (with help!) made this book.”
For me, the heart of Life Story work is listening with curiosity and care. You don’t need fancy equipment or specialist training to get started – just compassion and the willingness to listen.
Final Thought: Identity Is Care
When we plan for the future, drawing on the past can give those plans genuine meaning. Life Story Books remind us that people are more than patients or service users – they’re individuals with rich, unique histories.
As one participant put it,
“If life is a book, we want to be recognised as more than just the last chapter.”
That recognition can be the difference between care that is merely adequate and care that is truly person-centred.
If you’d like resources, ideas, or a friendly chat about how to get started, please feel free to get in touch. Together, we can ensure that future care planning is guided not just by needs, but by memories, milestones, and meaning.
About the Author
Rachel Lewis is the founder of Presenting Your Past and The Life Story Team. For over 12 years, she’s helped people celebrate and connect with their stories through DIY guides, facilitator training, bespoke services, and community projects across Surrey, Hampshire, and West Sussex.
