On our journey, we talk about things mainly in hindsight. It is a journey that starts from the end result working back on the things that could have gone differently. It is unfortunate for us this is the way things are, but because of this, we are happy that we are sharing our experiences in the hope of helping others…
Please see Dying Matters Awareness Week 2022 which covers:
- Introduction
- Illustrative examples: Dying Matters Awareness Week 2022
- Dying Matters Awareness Week 2022
- Why is it important to talk about Death?
- Compassion in Dying
- Our final thoughts/YouTube Video
© Copyright 2019 Grief Probate Journey Blog *PLEASE NOTE THIS INFORMATION IS SOURCED FROM UK and AMERICAN WEBSITES* It is also based on our own experience. *We are not experts in this field, we are speaking purely on our own experience with information sought from the internet to give further examples. *
1. Introduction
On our journey, we talk about things mainly in hindsight. It is a journey that starts from the end result working back on the things that could have gone differently. It is unfortunate for us this is the way things are, but because of this, we are happy that we are sharing our experiences in the hope of helping others.
When we discovered this awareness week last year, there was no question that we would do it as a topic. To be honest, the first time we covered it, we were a bit hesitant as we were not sure how it might be received/perceived because of its nature. however, in the long run, we felt it would be better to share it than not.
Just recently (Saturday 30th April 2022) we were interviewing/being interviewed as part of a 72 Hour Global Grief Conference (29th April – 2nd May 2022). It was an amazing experience and opportunity. Coming together globally and sharing our expertise, resources, and journeys through grief. We were honoured for this moment, as collectively it felt great to be part of the change trying to normalise conversations around grief and loss.
When being interviewed, we were asked if there was a message we could give what would it be.
One of the things we said was: Planning End of Life Care, and a living will. In hindsight, we see how important this type of conversation would have made for us and our family. For our Dad having his wishes recorded in a legally binding document could have made a significant difference in the way things turned out.
When you complete an end of life will, your wishes are recorded and legally binding, this means you can have peace of mind knowing it is your choice, your plans and you can feel as though you have control and maintain some dignity.
We have lived through some unpredictable times which have had effects mentally and physically, we feel this makes it even more important to start having these conversations with loved ones in the here and now. We appreciate it might not always be easy, but in the long run, it really will make a great big difference. (we also have a topic on Talk to your loved ones in the here and now: Planning your Health Care).
For all of these reasons we feel it is important to continue trying to help to spread and share awareness of matters of this kind.
We also have a topic on IG Live Interview with Dr Mekel: Friday 12th November 2021 which has useful links on End of Life Planning and Living Wills for both here and USA.
Please see Dying Matters Awareness Week 2022:
2. Illustrative examples: Dying Matters Awareness Week 2022
3. Dying Matters Awareness Week 2022
3.1 Dying Matters Awareness Week | Hospice UK
“This year, Dying Matters Awareness Week takes place from 2 – 6 May 2022”.
3.2 Dying Matters | Hospice UK
“Dying Matters Awareness Week. From 2 – 6 May 2022, communities across the country will come together to talk about death, dying and grief. Find out more”.
3.3 Dying Matters Awareness Week 2022 – Public Holiday Guide
“Dying Matters Awareness Week, 2-6 May 2022, is an opportunity for people to recognise the importance of talking about dying, death and bereavement”.
3.4 Dying Matters Awareness Week 2022 – Advanced Care Planning advice
“2-6 May is Dying Matters Awareness Week – a reminder that having conversations about dying is often not as hard as you might think. Building on last year’s message of ‘being in a good place’ to die, this year our End of Life and Community Specialist Palliative Care Teams are promoting the importance of Advanced Care Planning (ACP)”.
4 Why is it important to talk about death?
4.1 Why is it important to talk about death?
“Having open conversations about death and dying allows us to consider how we feel about different options for end of life care, how we would prefer to live our final days, and how we want our lives to be celebrated and remembered”. (8 Aug 2017).
4.2 Why is talking about death so hard?
“There are a number of reasons why we find talking about death and dying difficult. It could be fear of saying the wrong thing, or of hurting someone’s feelings. You could try some of these tips to start the conversation: Talk face to face if possible”.
4.3 Why is death an uncomfortable topic?
“Psychologist, Corinne Sweet, agrees: “People find death a difficult topic to discuss as it usually brings up a lot of feelings: anxiety, fear, awkwardness, sadness. We tend to pretend, as a culture, that it’s not going to happen”.
5 Compassion in Dying
“Helping you prepare for the end of life. How to talk about it, plan for it, and record your wishes. Have any questions? Talk to us. 0800 999 2434”.
5.2 Advanced Decision (Living Will)
“This Advance Decision (Living Will) pack contains an Advance”…
5.3 Make a living will (Advance…
“You do not need to use a solicitor, we can help you make one for”…
Information Line
If you have questions about your end-of-life rights, end-of-life care, Advance Decisions or Lasting Powers of Attorney, you can contact us on our Information Line.
Phone: 0800 999 2434
Email: info@compassionindying.org.uk
Available 11am to 3pm, Monday to Friday
We first became aware of Compassion in Dying through a friend who sent me a job application for one of their vacancies. When doing background research for the interview my sister and I were amazed at what a great service this is to offer to people. We related this so much to our Dad’s experience and time in the hospital. Because of this we reached out to them and asked if we could feature them in one of our blog topics. We were so happy when they said yes.
We feel this is an invaluable service, and we will always do our best to try and help to spread awareness of it.
6. Our final thoughts/YouTube video
We understand it can be easier said than done having such conversations. But we do hope this might help those who read this.
Grief Probate Journey 