Dying Matters Awareness Week #DyingToBeHeard

Dying Matters Awareness Week takes place 11 to 17 May. The purpose of the awareness week is to place the importance of talking about dying, death and bereavement firmly on the national agenda.

This year’s theme is #DyingToBeHeard. Talking about death is never easy, but when someone wants to talk about death it’s important that we are there to listen.

Whilst many of the events planned for this week may have been cancelled due to the current Covid-19 Coronavirus situation, there are some events still taking place virtually. You can find the details here https://www.dyingmatters.org/events 

You might take some time this week to give thought to or talk to loved ones about some of the keys issues surrounding death, and consider dealing with some of the practical issues such as: –

• Making a Will to ensure that your money and possessions pass to the right people after your death. You can also appoint people to deal with your estate, act as guardian for your children and manage any monies held in trust after your death. Will Inheritance Tax be payable in the event of your death and is there anything that can be done to help reduce the tax payable?
• Make funeral plans. Nowadays there are many different funeral options and it’s important that you consider recording or speaking to someone about your wishes. The “My Funeral Wishes” section of the Dying Matters website is a good place to start.  https://www.dyingmatters.org/page/my-funeral-wishes
• Consider what care and support you might need. Although most of us hate the thought of it, many of us will need caring for as we age or if we become seriously unwell. It’s important to think about the type of care we would be happy to receive, what treatments we might want to refuse, where we might receive our care and who would make decisions for us if we couldn’t make our own in the future. You can consider making an Advance Directive (sometimes called an Advance Decision or Living Will) or Lasting Power of Attorney for Health and Welfare.
• Make your thoughts about Organ Donation known. On 20 May 2020, organ donation law in England is changing and moving to an “opt out” system. This means that all adults in England will be considered to have agreed to be an organ donor unless they have recorded a decision not to donate or are in an excluded group. You can find out more here https://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/uk-laws/organ-donation-law-in-england/
• Think about your digital legacy. So much of our lives are online nowadays. How will your social media accounts, websites or blogs be dealt with after your death? The Digital Legacy Association have resources that help you consider the position and templates that can help you set out your wishes https://digitallegacyassociation.org/for-the-public/

Give our Associate Solicitor, Amanda Attrell a call on 01903 534526 or email amanda.attrell@coolebevisllp.com for further advice