AS an active member of the national ‘’Dying Matters Campaign’ St Luke’s Hospice is raising awareness of this year’s national “Dying Matters Week” theme ‘’Be Ready For It’’
St.Luke’s Community Services and Development Manager, Sharon Quinn said; “The Dying Matters campaign this year aims to encourage the nation to take five crucial actions to be ready for end of life.
It focuses on five things you can do now that will make life easier for your family and loved ones when you die.
No one likes to think about their own mortality, much less discuss it so we are hoping that by raising awareness of these five practical steps we can all take when we are enjoying good health, this will help alleviate problems that could occur later’’
The five steps are …..
1) Make a Will
2) Record your funeral wishes
3) Plan your future care and support
4) Register as an organ donor
5) Tell your loved ones your wishes
Sharon further explained ‘’We are challenging our staff and the local community to try to tick as many off this list as they can ‘’now’’ rather than ‘’later’’ – these issues can be more difficult when facing a crisis situation and often are the cause of family conflict and stress at a time when there may already be upset caused by a health crisis.’’
The Hospice is raising awareness with a poster & leaflet campaign in their shops, located throughout Basildon & Thurrock explaining to customers the importance of end of life care planning and how to go about it as well as holding in-house activities for staff and clinical professionals.
