Dying Matters Awareness week is taking place this week (5-11 May) and this year it encourages us to reflect on The Culture of Dying and why this matters.
The theme invites us to ask a range of questions, including:
- Have you ever thought about what you would want the end of your life to look like?
- Would you know what your loved ones would want when they are nearing the end of their lives – where would they want to be? Who would care for them? How would they be remembered, grieved for, and celebrated?
- Have you ever had that conversation with them or shared your own thoughts? Our traditions, customs, religious and spiritual beliefs, family norms all have a place in ensuring comfort, dignity and support at end of life.
Across London, residents are able to create a Universal Care Plan which enables every Londoner to have their care and support wishes, including around dying, digitally shared with healthcare professionals, so they can focus on what matters to them.
A care plan is created following a conversation between a healthcare professional (such as a doctor or nurse) and the person in their care. Throughout the conversation, the healthcare professional will listen, understand and make notes on:
- What is important to the person in their day-to-day life
- Their preferences or wishes about their care
- What support they need and who is best placed to provide this
- Information about others who may be involved in that person’s care, such as relatives
The care plan is then created following this conversation using the Universal Care Plan. As soon as information is saved on the plan, it is visible to all health and care services who use it, including London Ambulance Service.