Dying Matters Awareness Week 2024
The way we talk about Dying Matters
Honest, timely conversations about death and dying are essential to good end of life care. Yet all too often barriers, including lack of confidence, taboos around discussing death, and confusion about who should be having these conversations mean patients, carers and families may not understand what is happening, or get all the information and support they need.
How to get people talking
It can feel a little intimidating to start a conversation about death and dying. Some simple prompts can work really well.
- Ask people to share a memory of a loved one that they've lost. People generally enjoy talking about friends and family who are no longer with us, and it can be the perfect way to start the conversation.
- Think of some softer prompts which might be easier to start with. We often find that asking about people's music choices at their funeral is a good one, for example.
- Ask tangible, relatable questions such as where people might want to be when they die, or who they would like to have with them.
- Use Hospice online planning tool - it's an easy way to set out your wishes around end of life.
- Use one of Hospice videos - you can find them on YouTube - as an introduction to the topic.
Talking Matters Conversation cards
These 'Talking Matters' conversation starter cards can be printed on a home or work printer, and used for a fun in-person engagement activity.
My Care Matters
MyCareMatters is a not-for-profit social enterprise, established to transform ideas into practical solutions that make a tangible difference to the quality of life of all caring staff and those they care for.
