Thornton Associates congratulates the Department of Health for conducting what the firm describes as a well informed and pragmatic investigation into the array of factors necessary to create its End of Life Care Framework. The new document, entitled ‘End of Life Care Framework and Implementation Plan for Adults 2012 – 2015’, is the first of its kind on the Island and presents the results of research into the preferences of over 1000 Island residents with the aim of developing a framework for funding care fees for those approaching the end of their lives. The Island based chartered financial planning firm commended the coordinators of the report for having obtained results from a broad cross section of Manx society and encouraging the public to more closely consider their plans for later life.
Managing Director, Sharon Sutton, commented: “This is a very sensible initiative. Faced with such a wide range of factors to plan for in later life, it is quite easy to overlook some of the more complex but ultimately most enduring aspects of end of life care. Issues such as replacing your income so you can retire, or even paying off mortgages and other debt, funeral expenses, and family emergency funds form a major part of any future provisions. Only once their impact has been highlighted and appropriate measures put in place does it become a lot easier to plan for the delivery of care itself.”
Mrs Sutton continued: “In the short term, however, it is worrying to see that just 47% of respondents had thought about or discussed with anyone their end of life wishes. This degree of cultural resistance to such a sensitive topic is understandable; however, it can present a significant obstacle in later life or in the event of terminal illness. The report highlights the need to plan well ahead to make sure you are prepared for end of life and the many complexities it entails and it is vital that we capitalise upon the positive momentum generated by the consultation so far. As such, I urge those who haven’t done so already to discuss their personal needs and preferences with someone who can provide the appropriate support.
It is important that we take the time to communicate our wishes to those in a position to help, so that we can later thank others in turn. Talking about death isn’t the same as dying; it is simply taking responsibility for yourself and those around you.”
A copy of the End of Life Framework and Implementation Plan is available at http://www.gov.im/lib/news/health/dignityandchoice.xml.
