In a recent ‘Bucket List’ survey, people across the East Midlands have agreed that the most important thing to do before they die is to see their loved ones happy and looked after – despite the fact that most adults don’t have a Will and haven’t shared their end of life wishes with their loved ones.
Eight hospices across the East Midlands joined forces to undertake the random sampling survey, which included a selection of ‘Bucket List’ things to do before people die including options such as traveling and learning a new skill.
Of the 400 people asked, over three-quarters said that the most important thing for them was to see their loved ones happy and looked after, but research by Prudential and Unbiased.co.uk, the IFA and solicitor search engine, shows that more than half (59%) of adults don’t have a will in place.
The East Midlands Hospice Group have been working collaboratively for several years and are using the survey results to draw attention to the need for end-of-life planning during national Dying Matters Week, running from 8 to 14 May.
Chris Wheway, Chief Executive of St Barnabas Hospice, explained more about the importance of Dying Matters Week:
“During Dying Matters Week, we want to encourage people to have open and honest discussions with their friends and loved ones about dying and what their wishes would be when they get to the end of life.
“Many people can find this type of discussion difficult and as a result many people do not get the care they would have liked at the end of life, the funeral they would have wanted, or even take time to write a Will and get their personal affairs in order.
“Talking with your loved ones about what you want to happen after you die, makes it more likely that your wishes will be met and it will be a comfort for your family and friends to know this.”
The East Midlands Hospice Group includes St Barnabas Hospice based in Lincolnshire which provides high-quality, compassionate end-of-life care and support to patients, their families and carers.
In response to the findings of the survey, St Barnabas Hospice is working with Sills and Betteridge Solicitors and Hodgkinsons Solicitors, to encourage people to make a Will for a donation to the Hospice during May.
Jenny Peake, Individual Giving & Data Manager, said:
“Make a Will month is a great opportunity to get your affairs in order, have your Will written or amended for a donation and help to secure the future of St Barnabas Hospice.
“We are also asking our community to think about leaving a gift in their will as this can have a vital impact on the care we provide now and the care we hope to provide in the future. At present, one in five of our patients are supported by a gift left in a Will.”
Collectively, the eight hospices care for more than 13,000 adults across the East Midlands of which over 5,000 people are supported in their own homes and the community. They need to raise over £35million annually.
The hospices involved include:
- • Ashgate Hospicecare
- • Blythe House Hospice
- • Beaumond House Hospice
- • Dove Cottage Day Hospice
- • LOROS
- • Nottinghamshire Hospice
- • St Barnabas Hospice
- • Treetops Hospice Care
Dying Matters Week is now in its eighth year and raises awareness of the importance of talking about, and planning for dying, with family members and loved ones.