An article in the national press caught my attention last week as it highlighted how death seems to be the last taboo. Death has been sanitised as it has moved from home to hospital and it seems to be very much “out of sight, out of mind.”
The article also spoke about GPs being reluctant to talk to their patients about the subject.
Despite many campaigns highlighting the need to put one’s affairs in order, over 80% of people say they have never discussed their own death even with their loved ones, and more than half of couples do not know their partner’s end-of-life wishes.
Last week, it was established that George Michael died of natural causes, not something many of us like to consider when we are still relatively young. Every day you do not have to look very far to discover another tragic death, a young life snatched from us, where the family have not the slightest idea or guidance how to deal with the practical and legal aspects.
Arranging a funeral is expensive and stressful, more so if this is not something that has been discussed or prepared for; the costs of funerals are rising (having doubled in half a decade), wills are often out of date or not in existence at all. Emotions run high and the stress and uncertainty can cause family bust-ups and arguments that may take years to heal, if at all.
However, the one certainty of this life is death, and the failure to address our own mortality does not mean death will not happen. Please do not leave your loved ones in a situation where they not only have to grieve, but also have to deal with the additional burden of not knowing your wishes, or worse still knowing your wishes but finding the law does not honour them.
Don’t delay, make an appointment with RMP today to discuss those wishes and ensure these can be honoured after your death. Ask for Elisabeth Whybrow on +441213184707.
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