The Department of Health’s End of Life Care Implementation Group is leading the Island’s participation in Dying Matters Awareness Week from 13 to 19 May 2013, with the theme of ‘Be ready for it’. The aim is to raise awareness and generate discussions on dying, death and bereavement.
Norman McGregor Edwards, Director of Healthcare Delivery said: “A key objective within the Department’s End of Life Care Framework and Implementation Plan, which was published last year, is to bring about a change in society’s recognition, understanding and acceptance of death as relevant to everyone, appropriate for discussion, and something we can all plan for. The End of Life Care Implementation Group in conjunction with Dying Matters is instrumental in promoting openness and communication as the first steps to achieving change in the public’s knowledge, attitudes and behaviour around death and dying, with the aim of encouraging a greater willingness to talk about death and bereavement. It has been said that what everyone fears most about dying is the associated loss of control. By empowering people to express their wishes, that control can be restored.”
Dying Matters Awareness Week is themed around ‘five things you can do to live well and die well’.
1. Make a will and consider making a Power of Attorney;
2. Discuss and write down your funeral wishes;
3. Plan your future care and support, by talking with your relatives and healthcare professionals;
4. Consider registering as an organ donor and discuss this decision with your loved ones;
5. Tell your loved ones your wishes, which means having those difficult emotional discussions with relatives, carers and other significant people.
On Thursday 16 May, there will be a talk titled ‘When I die…What can I do to break the taboo?’ at the Lecture Theatre, Keyll Darree, Noble's Hospital, between 12.30pm and 1.45pm. All are welcome; no booking required, however the public are encouraged to arrive early, as spaces are limited. Tea and coffee will be available.
Friday 17 May will see members of the End of Life Care Implementation Group hosting an all day event at the Strand Shopping Centre in Douglas, to raise awareness about why ‘Dying Matters’. People often have specific wishes or an idea of how they would like to be cared for when they are dying and what they would like to happen afterwards, but do not want to talk about it with loved ones or healthcare professionals. Staff and volunteers will be on hand to give advice and supply information to help with these decisions.
David Gawne, Chair of the Dying Matters Sub Group, said: “Talking about death doesn't bring death closer. It's about planning for life. Without communication and understanding, the end of someone’s life can be a lonely and stressful experience, both for that person and for their friends and family. This awareness week is about it never being too early to have those difficult conversations with the significant people in your life and to formulate your plans for what you wish to happen following your death. This not only makes life easier for those you leave behind but ensures your assets are handled in accordance with your wishes. None of us know what is around the corner and it is never too early to plan. The End of Life Care Implementation Group, which is a prime example of joined up working between Government and the third and faith sectors wish to thank the Isle of Man Law Society and Dying Matters England for their support.” Mr Gawne added that it is intended to plan further events later in the year.
Photo - Norman McGregor Edwards, Director of Healthcare Delivery.
Researching your Manx family history can be a very interesting and rewarding hobby. Trace your roots in the Isle of Man with our helpful of guide.
