The Covid-19 pandemic has prompted many more people to be aware of their mortality than ever before.
While there is never a good time to talk about death with a loved one and it’s something most people shy away from, the pandemic has got people talking more and, ironically, that is a good thing.
So many people have tragically lost loved ones during the past year and have faced terrible decisions about not being able to have the funeral or send off that the family or their loved one wanted.
The Sun Life Cost of Dying Report 2021 says 82% of people who organised a funeral had arrangements and wishes affected a lot because of Covid-19.
We need to know if a loved one prefers to be cremated or buried but only just over half of us do. We should know if they wanted their ashes scattered but less than a third do know and we should know if there is a favourite charity but less than a quarter know for sure.
Nearly one in five know absolutely nothing about any preferences for their loved one’s funeral and send off.
Steve Coyle, Funeral Partners’ Director of Pre-Need says: “The best thing we can do is to talk. Whether that conversation is with family, friends or even a local Funeral Director, that will mean someone knows your wishes and it is recorded.
“This will make arrangements so much easier for family members at a difficult time. Having a funeral plan through your local funeral director would ensure the money is put aside as well as recording your wishes.
“There is no good time to talk about death with a loved one but the current situation gives us that opportunity. It is important to think about what to do when the time comes, and if we should do one thing – it’s talk!”
Dying Matters Awareness Week, which encourages individuals and organisations to come together and open up the conversation about death, dying and bereavement will take place from May 10-16 this year.
Its theme is being in a ‘good place to die’, which highlights not only where individuals would like to be when the time comes, but also creating the space to talk about their wishes.
For more information about our Choice prepaid funeral plans, visit your local funeral home or go online at www.choiceplan.co.uk
