Death and Dying

Some helpful information

Welcome to the death and dying resource pages

Please do suggest anything you have found helpful and supportive when experiencing the death of someone close. We can all learn from each other.

The most hits on this website are for What happens physically when someone dies? followed by How do you know someone is entering their dying process?

It goes to show how sadly ignorant most of us are about what happens at the end of life and how removed we are from death these days. The following links will provide you with a guide on how to be present with someone who is dying, what death looks like, and how to take care of yourself. I do hope they are of help.

How do you know when someone is beginning their dying process?

There are certain signs when illness or old age has tipped into a preparation for death. The dying may feel… Read more

What happens physically when someone dies

It is impossible to predict when the moment death will actually happen. People can hover between life and death for… Read more

Towards the End

Some statistics Around 500,000 people die in England each year. Two-thirds are aged 75 and over. 18% Home, 58% Hospital,… Read more

Some suggestions for friends of the dying

It is important for you to be able to say your goodbyes to your dying friend. Even so, for some… Read more

Some medical terminology

Medical terminology and medical roles that can be confusing, so I hope this will help: Palliative care: providing care to help… Read more

Summary of important points

It’s okay to be afraid of facing the death of your relative or friend. But the gift of being prepared… Read more

Difference between end-of-life experiences and drug-induced hallucinations

The difference between genuine end-of-life experiences and drug-induced hallucinations is clear to nursing staff and to patients. People who have… Read more

Advance Directive

An Advance Directive (living will) stipulates, for example, whether you want to be resuscitated or should you become seriously ill, what… Read more

Sitting with a dying person

Accompanying someone to the point of death is a remarkable experience. Nonetheless, you may find the anticipation emotionally and mentally… Read more

Recognising what the dying person may be feeling

Of course, the dying need appropriate physical pain control. But they also have what might be termed soul needs—to feel… Read more

Practicalities to think about when someone close is dying

Dying at home is a different experience to that of medical institutions. You are more in control of what is happening… Read more

How to open up difficult conversations

It’s not easy to know how to open up conversations with someone who is dying There is often awkwardness, embarrassment… Read more

Things between relatives can become fraught

Many people are now making an Advance Directive which stipulates what kind of end of life care they would like to receive if… Read more

The fear of talking about dying

It’s a sad fact these days that most people in the West learn about death second hand – usually from… Read more

Helpful links

Talking about Dying BBC: How to Have a Good DeathChannel 4: It Helps to TalkDying Matters(National coalition, which aims to… Read more

Articles and Books

End-of-life Experience Articles: Fenwick, P., & Brayne, S.End-of-life Experiences: Reaching out for compassion, communication and connection. Meaning of Deathbed Visions and… Read more