Thinking about the end of your life can be difficult, but documenting your wishes now can give you peace of mind and it means the people close to you will know what you want when the time comes. When someone else dies, it can be overwhelming but there is information and advice available to help you deal with the practical matters and cope with bereavement.
There may come a time when you’re unable to make decisions or express your wishes about how you would like to be cared for and what medical treatment you would want. Advance decisions and advance statements let you record your wishes in writing to help make sure they are respected if this situation arises.
A power of attorney is a legal document that gives someone you trust the authority to help you make decisions, or to make them and take actions for you if you become unable to do these things yourself. There are different types for different circumstances.
You may have strong ideas about where you'd like to live and be cared for at the end of your life, and where you would choose to die. This often involves balancing the pros and cons of different options, so it can be helpful to think about these in advance.
It’s important to have an up-to-date will. If you don’t, the law decides what happens to your money and any property you own when you die, which may not be the same as what you would have chosen.
Funerals are a chance for people to remember your life and say goodbye. Have you made sure those around you know your wishes for your funeral?
If someone close to you is dying, it can be very difficult to think about the time after their death. However, it can give you both peace of mind if you’re able to discuss this together and can help to ease the stress for the person left behind.
When someone dies, it can be overwhelming. There is a lot that needs to be done at a time when you may feel ill-equipped to deal with it. Support is available and careful planning can help.
You can reach bereavement experts by clicking on the GriefChat box below where you can chat directly to a specially trained bereavement counsellor. GriefChat counsellors are experienced in supporting bereaved people and will listen to your story, explore how your grief is affecting you and help you to find any additional support you might need. GriefChat is a completely free service and is available Monday-Friday, 9am-9pm or by email out of these hours.
Planning for the end of life
How to plan for the end of your life and where to get support