Although the last year has been a very difficult year for many people, we know that where people have been able to talk with loved ones about their wishes for their care at the end of their life and for their funeral that this has made it easier for those who are left behind.
Dudley Council want to encourage staff to talk with their families about their hopes and requests for the end of their lives.
“Grief and death happen to everyone, so it is important that everyone talks about their wishes, writes them down and tells those they love where these details can be found.”
It can be hard to know how to start a conversation around grief, loss or bereavement. Many do not encounter family and friends who may be dying until they have reached quite an old age themselves. This makes it easier to pretend that illness and dying will not happen until some point in the distant future. This belief can make it hard to understand the need to plan ahead for the death of a loved one.
In order to support staff and the public with these difficult conversations, Dudley Council has created a short video that illustrates why it is important to think ahead, and the comfort these plans can provide for those who are left behind.
Healthier Futures Black Country & West Birmingham have created their own video too.
For staff who have experienced bereavement, supportive information is available on the public health website, Let’s Get.
In addition, anyone who has been bereaved and registered with a Dudley GP can ask for an appointment with the Listening and Guidance Service. Or, for those who would like to meet others who have been bereaved, there are a number of Bereavement Hubs and bereavement support groups – full details are available at Let’s Get.