Preparing for Death

If you or a loved one is close to death, read through our advice on how to make peace and live out the rest of your life to the fullest. Whether you're coming to the end of a long life, or losing someone at a bitterly young age, it often really helps to make plans to wrap up your affairs while you still can.
Preparing for Death
  2. Preparing for Death
How to Overcome the Fear of Death
The fear of death is something that almost all of us share, and in some ways it can be helpful; for example, it helps to ensure that we keep ourselves out of dangerous situations. If your fear of dying starts to get in the way of enjoying your ...
What is Life Insurance, and How Does it Work?
Life insurance (A.K.A. life cover, death cover, or life assurance) isn’t for everyone. But if your family is likely to struggle without your financial support, a policy can give you real peace of mind about what might happen if you died. So, what ...
How to Choose the Right End-of-Life Care
End-of-life care is often considered a taboo subject. Most people not only are afraid to talk about it, but to even think about it, often avoiding the discussion until they actually have to come to terms with a loved one’s death. Yet, while it ...
How to Donate Your Body to Science
If it's a gift you feel able to give, donating your body to science can be a brilliant way to help others after you die. So, what do you need to know before you make a donation, and what happens when you do? ...
Who Will Look After my Cat When I Die? Pet Care After the Death of an Owner
Whether you think of your pets simply as your loving companions, or as your (admittedly, very furry) children, you want what’s best for them - which is why it’s natural to worry about what might happen to them if you die before they do. Who will ...
Tissue and Organ Donation – Everything You Need to Know
Tissue and organ donation can be a polarising subject. Although some people would never consider giving over their organs upon death, more people are recognising the impact that becoming an organ donor can have on the lives of others. More than ...
What to Do When You Find Out You’re Dying
You’ve found out you’re dying. It’s the kind of news that has the power to tear your world apart. Any number of thoughts may be racing through your head. You may be asking yourself, ‘How will I cope? How can I ...
How to Tell People You’re Dying
Having to tell people that you’re dying can feel like an incredible burden, and you may worry about causing distress to those closest to you. There’s no single right way to tell someone you’re dying, and while some people prefer a face-to-face ...
What Are the Signs That Someone is Close to Death?
When someone is close to death, physical and behavioural changes may occur. You may also notice a change in their character. It can be disconcerting to observe these changes, but remember this is part of the natural process of the body as it ...
How to Prepare For the Death of a Loved One
When a loved one is diagnosed with a terminal illness, it’s important to prepare yourself for the practicalities of their death, as well as the inevitable emotional upheaval. In these instances, it’s common to begin
End of Life and Palliative Care
When people reach the end of their lives and there is nothing medical professionals can do to postpone death, our thoughts turn to the ways in which we can make their last moments, no matter how long they are, as comfortable, painless and satisfying ...
How to Discuss a Loved One’s Last Wishes
Discussing a loved one’s last wishes is incredibly important, but surprisingly