End of life in this context refers to all deaths-- sudden, traumatic and expected—and the aftermath. It also refers to matters that emerge during the extended period of one to two years during which a person, their family or health care professionals become aware of the life-limiting nature of the illness.
We believe that the time is right to talk about issues around end of life in Ireland.
We know from our research that Irish people have clear ideas of how they wish to die. They are also concerned with how people are dying and are beginning to demand the right to a good death. People want to discuss the issue.
The first national survey on attitudes to death and dying in 2004 found:
1. 67% want to die at home
2. 10% want to die in hospitals
3. Over 80% believed improvement was needed in hospital care for people who were dying or terminally ill
4. Nearly 40% believed it needed urgent or considerable improvement
5. 51% felt there was not enough discussioon of death
Almost 30,000 people die in Ireland every year. It is conservatively estimated that 10 people are directly affected by each death. Therefore, 300,000 people are bereaved every year.
Many familes wait until it is too late and only address the issue when a parent or loved one is too ill to talk about these issues. Families should begin talking about end-of-life wishes well before the final days. Experts point to many opportunities that can spark discussion about end-of-life issues. Here are some: 1. Use a news event as a launching pad 2. A family gathering where people often talk about the future 3. When people are feeling physically and emotionally strong 4. When you have time (Discussions about end-of-life care are best avoided when you are rushed) 5. With the help of a trusted physician or other health care professional 6. After being diagnosed with a serious illness 7. When you find yourself in a quiet, private setting when this can be discussed on a one-to-one basis 8. After a sudden or protracted death of a relative, friend or coworker.
