Dying Matters Awareness Week 2021 10th-16th May

#InAGoodPlace

Dying Matters awareness week is focusing on the importance of being #InAGoodPlace to die.  

This year it is more important than ever before. The COVID-19 pandemic has put death and loss at the front of the nation’s consciousness.  Dying Matters Uk has found that people in the UK do not have end of life plans in place. This is because we are not aware of how to do this.

Just 13% of adults say they’ve let a close friend or family member know where they want to be when they die, and just three in ten know how to make arrangements to ensure they die in the place they would wish to.  

There is no right or wrong place to die; it will be different for everyone. But it is important for everyone to think about it, to talk about it, and to plan for it.  

We need to be stronger about talking about death, dying and bereavement, and better at making sure the right plans are put in place to protect ourselves and our loved ones at the end of life.  

Dying Matters are asking people to share their #DMAW21 story on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or by emailing info@hospiceuk.org

Read here for how to make a good end of life plan

An Advance Decision to Refuse Treatment is enshrined in the Mental Capacity Act 2005. It is sometimes called a Living Will or an Advance Directive and allows you to decide about whether you want certain forms of treatment in the future. If you have a long tern condition that will ultimately bring about your death you may decide to refuse resuscitation if in cardiac arrest. Advance Decisions are legally binding in England and Wales, as long as they meet certain requirements. This means that if a healthcare professional knows you’ve made an Advance Decision, they have to follow it.