Talking about dying and death is in everybody's interests as it can help ensure that all of us can get the care we want, where we want it at the end of our lives.
The Department of Health End of Life Care Strategy says there are many challenges to be overcome to ensure that everyone attains ‘a 'good death’ irrespective of their background.
Everybody deserves ‘a good death’ and this is more likely to be achieved by talking about it early on. Although every individual may have a different idea about what would, for them, constitute ‘a good death’, for many this would involve:
− Being treated as an individual, with dignity and respect
− Being without pain and other symptoms
− Being in familiar surroundings
− Being in the company of close family and/or friends
Talking about dying makes it more likely that you, or your loved one, will die as you might have wished and it will make it easier for your loved ones if they know you have had a ‘good death’. The Dying Matters coalition can help you plan and talk openly about dying.
