DYING is the one thing that we know will happen to all of us. Why is it then that in the UK we are reluctant to talk about dying, death or bereavement even to our nearest and dearest?

Understandably, there is a fear and anxiety around the subject of death but the fact is it will happen to all of us and, sadly, could happen at any age.

I broach this subject not to be morbid or to make you feel uncomfortable but in the hope that by raising awareness about the subject of death, people will feel easier discussing it and will be better prepared for it when the time comes.

Dying Matters awareness week, a national campaign organised by the Dying Matters coalition, has been taking place this week.

NHS South Worcestershire clinical commissioning group in partnership with local hospices supported Dying Matters Awareness Week to encourage people to talk openly about dying, death and bereavement.

The theme of this year’s Dying Matters Awareness Week, which ends tomorrow, is ‘Be ready for it’ and we are urging the people to take five simple steps to make their end of life experience better, both for them and for their loved ones.

The five simple steps are:

  •  Make a will;
  •  Record your funeral wishes;
  •  Plan your future care and support;
  •  Register as an organ donor;
  •  Tell your loved ones your wishes.

New research for the Dying Matters coalition shows that only seven per cent of us would prefer to die in hospital, compared with two-thirds who would prefer to die at home.

Yet latest NHS figures show that more than half of us die in hospital.

This is why it is so important to have conversations with loved ones about your end of life wishes sooner rather than later.

By not making plans we are risking not getting the care we had hoped for or leaving our families in financial uncertainty making it harder for our families to deal with bereavement.

For more information about Dying Matters Week, visit dyingmatters.org.