NOTTS: Find out about support for those nearing end of their lives

Nottinghamshire residents can find out more about end of life services next week at a countywide information roadshow to mark Dying Matters Week.
Help and advice will be available for families and carersHelp and advice will be available for families and carers
Help and advice will be available for families and carers

Information on support for end of life will be available at the following venues:

Monday 18 May – ASDA Newark from 10am to 4pm

Tuesday 19 May – Newark Library from 10am to 12pm and Lifespring Centre, Ollerton from 12pm to 4pm

Wednesday 20 May – Southwell Library from 10am to 12pm

Thursday 21 May – Beaumond House Resource Centre from 10am to 4pm

Friday 22 May – Blidworth Tesco from 10am to 4pm.

Nottinghamshire County Council is working with the Coroner’s Court and local GPs on pilot training sessions on end of life care for the East Midlands Ambulance Service during the week.

A half day conference for health and social care providers and carers is also being held at County Hall, West Bridgford, on Friday (22 May) to raise awareness of the support available for residents who are terminally ill along with people with dementia.

Every year just over 7,500 people die in the county, which is around one percent of the population.

Around half of these deaths take place outside the home despite most people preferring to die at home if they had the choice.

The Council and health and voluntary sector partners work with residents with a terminal illness and their families to make sure their dying wishes are met, including how they are cared for at the end of their life.

The Carer’s Pathway service provides support during the last year of a person’s life, including offering breaks for carers, planning for the last phases of life and giving advice on power of attorney rights, writing wills and discussing funeral arrangements.

Councillor Muriel Weisz, Chair of Nottinghamshire County Council’s Adult Social Care and Health Committee, said: “Most of us are reluctant to talk about death but we also know talking openly about the issue and planning ahead can greatly benefit those we leave behind. Writing a will, recording your funeral wishes or planning your future care are a few ways that can help make sure your final wishes are met and reduce the stress for your loved ones at a traumatic time.”

The Council’s Registration service provides a ‘living eulogy’ service to assist local residents who wish to plan ahead and have their funeral ceremony wishes recorded and archived through the Council’s registration service.

For information on end of life services contact 0300 500 80 80 or visit www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk