End of Life Services

Over the last thirty or forty years , the process and actual experience of dying has been taken away from its natural place – at home, within the community, and, mainly, in the midst of the family – and transferred into hospitals, as well as nursing and care homes. So, instead of entering towards a dignified, peaceful and meaningful death, the terminally-ill and seriously-ill can be subjected to invasive, traumatic and distressing medical procedures, designed to prolong life for a few more days or weeks – but, most likely, at the cost of quality of life.

Dying within these settings seems to have become medicalised and, almost, sterilised. It’s as if the dying process has become yet another stage of life! This experience often leaves both the dying person and his or her family feeling isolated, uninformed, traumatised, out of control and extremely upset.

Research has shown us that more than 70% of us wans to die at home (if at all possible!) – in a familiar environment, in the midst of familiar possessions, and within the embrace of loved ones. Yet, most of us will rarely get this opportunity – ending our days in the insipid and detached setting of the hospital or care home.

Of course, the advent of the excellent hospice movement has helped to partly redress the balance with regards to dying – offering a meaningful, caring and respectful approach to dying (through the hospice itself or through their highly-regarded hospice-at-home services). But, hospice numbers are few compared to the numbers of people dying every week or month. Like all aspects of care and service in the United Kingdom, it’s in short supply and their resources stretched.

In the last few years, however, a movement has emerged and, though modest in size at present, it appears to be gathering some momentum and visibility. It’s main aim is to promote the concept of a “good death” – wherever possible, to be in line with the dying person’s values, beliefs, desires and wishes; and offering a meaningful, dignified, respectful and compassionate passing for both the individual and their family.

This movement is spearheaded by passionate individuals like the renowned leading author, Katherine Mannix, and committed organisations such as End of Life Doulas, Felicity Warner’s Soul Midwives, and Compassionate Communities; and it can count one me as committed supporter and advocate.