Report from our End of Life event
The report follows on from a big End of Life event in St Ives earlier this year, organised by Healthwatch for the four Cambridgeshire Adult Social Care Partnership Boards.
The boards make sure that people who use adult social care services are involved in decisions affecting their daily lives.
Over 130 people attended the day, which featured a keynote talk by retired Yaxley, Peterborough GP and cancer/palliative care expert Dr Phil Hartropp.
Only half the people attending had written a will and very few people had set up Lasting Powers of Attorney or so-called “Living Wills” (known as Advance Decisions) to help take control of the remainder of their lives and make sure their wishes are followed.
During the day, there were workshops on topics including Power of Attorney and the Mental Capacity Act and a range of information stalls.
We asked people about the conversations they have had about their own end of life choices. And what would make it easier to talk about.
People said they want
- Practical, easy-to-understand information
- An idea of what to discuss with their partners and families
- Simple explanations of legal processes and costs.
Find out more
Read more about our findings from the day.
Our report is available as a full document, summary and in Easy Read.
Carer Sue told us
“I found the End of Life event really thought-provoking,” said sandwich carer Sue Honour from St Neots, pictured above.
She cares for her daughter and husband and also offers emotional support and practical advice to her elderly parents and mother-in-law who live some distance away.
“It was such a good event as it clarified a lot of things I’d heard a bit about.
“It also made me have conversations with my mum and mother in-law and discuss what they would want rather than having to guess what their wishes might be when it is too late.
"It’s important for my daughter to be taken care of when I’m not around, so my husband and I really need to make a will and get everything in place to ensure that happens.”
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