Don’t let talking about dying be a conversation killer

10th May 2018

Health specialists in Stockport are urging people in the borough to talk about dying to their family and friends – because it could change their life.

Tackling your own fear or embarrassment towards dying is particularly important when it involves a person who is seriously ill or is in their twilight years.

Just four years ago seven out of ten terminally ill patients in the borough died in hospital even though most of them expressed a wish to spend their last days at home.

But following work spearheaded and funded by NHS Stockport Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), nine out of ten people now die in their preferred place – at home.

Integrating health and social services in Stockport has supported this by ensuring staff have the necessary skills and backup to provide high quality end of life care at home.

This year, to highlight Dying Matters Awareness Week (14th – 20th May), the CCG is planning a series of visits to Care Homes to train staff on how best to get the conversations going.

The CCG’s Nursing and Quality Lead Elaine Whittaker said “Death is still something of a taboo subject but talking about it will often be a relief to the person involved – and don’t forget talking about it is not going to bring it any closer.

“What it will do is give people back some control and remove some of their worries about what is going to happen – and that means they can get on with living their lives.

“A lack of conversation is the main reason peoples’ wishes go ignored or unfulfilled. We only have one death – there is no second chance to do it right – so it is vital that we do everything possible to get it right.

“So please try not to be afraid of having that conversation with your loved one – you’ll probably find they’ll welcome it and it will be a weight off their mind.”