A publisher famous for its travel manuals has teamed up with the Marie Curie charity to produce the UK’s first-ever guidebook for those navigating the final chapters of their lives.
The Rough Guide To The End Of Life is a free book which provides advice for people to ensure they have access to the right care and support.
The downloadable guide contains information ranging from making a will, funeral preferences, and what to do with social media and online accounts after someone dies.
Published by Rough Guides, it also includes information on advance care planning, pain management and do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation (DNACPR) decisions.
Marie Curie, the UK’s leading end-of-life charity, which cares for those who are likely to die from diseases like advanced cancer, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, said polling of just over 2,000 adults across the UK last month suggested many people lack knowledge on the issue.
Nearly 40% of people were unaware of services available in the UK, and half had given little thought to planning ahead should they receive a terminal diagnosis.
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In her foreword, Marie Curie chief medical officer Dr Sarah Holmes said the free book should help people “prepare for whatever’s around the corner”.
The palliative doctor added: “Like any journey, life eventually comes to an end – for all of us. It’s something we know in our hearts, even though it can be hard to think and talk about.
“The uncertainty can be what’s truly scary. And when we have a chance to understand what may be down the road, to talk about our fears and discuss our questions with people who can help, the relief can be huge.”
Kate Drynan, senior editor at Rough Guides, said: “Our guides have supported millions of travellers over the decades, but we could not think of a more important journey than helping people to navigate their final chapter of life.”
