Let’s talk - difficult conversations about dying, death and bereavement

This week, BTO had planned to host another of our successful “Where there’s a Will, there’s a Way” seminars. At BTO, we understand that dying, death and bereavement can often be a difficult conversation to have, even with those to whom we are closest.

Many people don’t know where to begin with such a conversation, or what should be done in preparation of death. And if we do manage the beginning of a discussion, we may feel uncomfortable or awkward.

And there is nothing wrong with feeling this way – this is the way our society generally views death. However, as a society, our general lack of openness has impacted on the experience of people who are dying and bereaved and has also affected the quality and range of support and care services available to patients and their families.

This is recognised by ‘Dying Matters’, which is a coalition mission led by Hospice UK. Their objective is to help people talk more openly about dying and to make plans for the end of life. It is Dying Matters’ annual Awareness Week this week (11 – 17 May 2020 – https://www.dyingmatters.org/AwarenessWeek) which promotes conversations about dying. This year’s theme is all about listening to each other’s wishes and concerns for the future. That is all the more relevant for the extraordinary circumstances we currently find ourselves in.

Sadly, the COVID-19 outbreak will mean that some people die before their time, or some of us will not be able to visit someone for the last time. Therefore, it is important to consider whether you and your loved ones have the right tools in place, in case the worst happens.

It goes against every instinct that we have to start planning for our death: in fact, only one in three of us has talked to anyone about how or where we’d like to die. But talking about death doesn’t bring death closer. On the contrary, it allows us to plan for life and helps us make the most of the time that we have. Talking about dying also makes it more likely for you, and your loved ones, to cope better emotionally and practically with what your death could mean, and in turn, allows the experience to be a more positive one.

The hope for our seminar was that it would help break down this invisible barrier and start a meaningful conversation about death. Given the importance of the subject matter, we have instead decided to produce a short Q & A webinar on this topic which addresses typical questions the team are often asked.

“Where there’s a Will, there’s a Way Q & A” VIDEO: Please view below:

Moreover, we are currently providing a free 20 minutes Wills consultation during the lockdown. This consultation can cover any queries you may have such as whether you need a Will, or whether your current wishes and circumstances are reflected in an existing Will. You may want to record your funeral wishes, or how you would like to be treated in end of life care. Or you may want advice for someone close, or simply be interested in finding out what your options are. If you would like to speak to one of the team, please do not hesitate to call us on our dedicated helpline:

Free 20 minutes Wills consultation: 0141 225 4855.

Alternatively, you can set up a virtual meeting with a member of the team at a time of your convenience. To do so, please consult our online diary accessible via the link below.

ONLINE DIARY: https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/BTOSolicitorsLLP@bto.co.uk/bookings/

We look forward to hearing from you.

David White

Senior Solicitor at BTO Solicitors LLP | Visit Profile

David is a Solicitor and Notary Public. He joined the firm as a Trainee Solicitor in September 2016 after graduating from Strathclyde University. He spent the majority of his traineeship within the Private Client department and has thus qualified into the department already having dealt with a wide variety of issues.
Read David's bio here.