How to talk about death and dying -

Summary

We asked our Martlets community to submit questions they had about death and dying for our expert team at Martlets. Here are five key takeaways from the discussion.

1. It’s important to talk about dying matters even if it feels uncomfortable

Everyone needs to be able to talk about death and dying, not just medical professionals. The team talked about how people at end-of-life don’t always share their feelings with doctors and nurses; sometimes it might be a member of our housekeeping or catering team they talk to. Along with this, family members and friends may be faced with difficult conversations about death. That is why it’s important that everyone can talk about death and dying and be comfortable doing so.

Guy, a staff nurse on our inpatient unit, spoke about how we need to be honest about what death is. Although some people feel more comfortable using the terms ‘pass away’ or ‘pass on’, it’s okay to say that someone has died. “Dying is part of life,” he added. “And Advance Care Planning can help enormously with the process.”

2. How to start a difficult conversation

Often people want to know how they can talk to friends and family who are living with a terminal illness. Our counselling and bereavement services team gave some great advice:

“Start a conversation with ‘it’s good to see you’ rather than ‘are you okay?’

Simply spending time with someone who is dying is great way to support them. Really listening to them and affirming that they are loved, and their life meant something can be important.

3. Everyone’s experience is different

While everyone dies, not everyone dies or experiences the end of their life in the same way. The team discussed the different approaches people may have to death and the process of dying.

Lisa, a clinical nurse specialist in our community team, spoke about the signs that may indicate someone is approaching the end of their life. For example, shortness of breath, changing attitudes to food and sleeping more.

4. People often die as they lived

While some people do change their attitudes and views towards the end of their lives, other do not. The team mentioned that sometimes people can expect their relationships with a dying person to improve.

Lisa advised that you shouldn’t “feel bad if difficult relationships still persist.” However, in some instances people can change, and repair relationships.

5. It is important to plan for a good death

As people approach death, there’s a lot to think about and plan for. As Guy said, “dying is a lot of work”.  Whether that’s sorting out a Will or planning a funeral, it’s not just medical care that needs to be considered. That’s why Advance Care Planning is really important.

Dr Simone Ali explained this as “preparing for a point in the future on how you want your care to look.”

The team also talked about how it’s important to be honest and clear in the planning process on both sides. Medical professionals, and families and loved ones, must work together and be honest about their hopes and expectations for a ‘good death’.