The importance of talking about dying

This Dying Matters Awareness Week, Hospice in the Weald is encouraging everyone in our community to get talking about death, dying, and grief in whatever way or form works for them.  

This year’s theme is ‘The way we talk about Dying Matters’, an important topic and one that rightly deserves attention. We want to focus on the language we use, and conversations we have, around death and dying.  

We spoke with Paul Madden, Care Director at the Hospice, who shared his thoughts on this year’s theme. 

Language makes a difference 

“At Hospice in the Weald, we aim to use clear language, delivered with kindness and compassion,” Paul continued. “It’s important that we ask people what they want to know, how, and when, but we won’t always get it right, so we will always be grateful for questions. 

“A recent Hospice UK survey revealed some interesting statistics. They asked 1,000 recently bereaved people questions on this topic, and found that 45% of people preferred direct language, 33% preferred more euphemistic language, and 21% said that they were unsure or had no preference. This, for us, is further proof that language choice is crucial, and people have their own preferences.

“Whether it’s with healthcare professionals, family, friends, or colleagues, we’re encouraging everyone to have these important conversations and to think about the words we use to have them.”