David's story - loosing Frances. David shares an insightful and deeply personal account of living with, and caring for his wife of fifty years, from receiving a diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease until her death five years later.. David shares the highs (and there were some) and the lows of this period and the way that helped him cope with his emotions as he was (in his own words) incrementally losing the person he loved and shared his life with for more than 50 years.

Our guest Caroline shares her experiences of living with her father for almost 12 years and supporting him at home until his peaceful death.

Caroline gives a candid and personal account of the impact this had on her, her daughter and her father. She explains how they have together navigated this time and made the decisions about his care, from social support after he was widowed, to more ‘hands on’ help as he became gradually more physically frail.

Talking about end of life, our own or that of a loved one, can be a taboo subject, and challenging for many.

In this episode we acknowledge these challenges and highlight the importance of overcoming them in order to prepare for as ‘ good death’ as possible. In particular documenting in advance wishes and preferences regarding care and support at end of life. Despite the belief that end of life care and palliative care can only be provided in a hospital or hospice, we explain that it can be provided in one’s home or care home, and may be preferred by many to do so.

We explain terms such as end of life care and palliative care, advanced wishes, anticipatory medication and Do Not Attempt Resuscitation/Allow Natural Death.

We also provide links to websites that offer information and support to those facing or affected by death and bereavement.