Who should be thinking about end-of-life planning?

Everyone!

The most important thing you can do is talk. Death and dying is never an easy topic, but open communication makes a world of difference. There are a few times when we think more about our own mortality, maybe at the time of a significant new diagnosis that might be life limiting, when we are looking after a loved one or considering going into care, or going to a funeral, but at these times emotions are running high, and conversations become even more difficult. Letting those close to you know your thoughts, wishes and plans well before you need to, means that conversations start light-hearted (think what's on your bucket list and outrageous funeral music ) before the deep and difficult gets explored. Planning when "the inevitable" seems a long way off is a lot easier, even if those plans change later on.

The charity Dying Matters Rutland, are trying to improve end of life care by encouraging people to talk to one another, make those plans, and get on with living well and enjoying life. We want to provide you with ideas of what you need to think about well in advance, to "get your affairs in order", and then information to help you when maybe it seems a bit nearer, for you or for your loved one. We want to give you the contacts and help you find what you need when you are facing the last few months, weeks and days of life. And then what to expect when someone dies, and what you need to do afterwards. Finally, through our Bereavement help points, we want to support you in grief and loss.

Losing someone is painful, but having those early conversations, making those plans so that your loved ones know that they have done their best, will help ease the pain of loss and bereavement.

For further information visit the Dying Matters website at https://www.dyingmattersleicestershireandrutland.com/ or come along to our free 'Dead Easy' event, please see the flyer and QR code link attached.