There are now new rules applying to death certificates in Scotland. Among the positive changes, cremation fees have been abolished. Families no longer have to pay £170 fees for cremation forms that doctors previously signed to give permission for a body to be cremated.
Tony and Dorothy Bonser lost their 35 year old son Neil to cancer. In the four years since, they have periodically received communications for Neil, despite having informed the organisations involved. Tony tells us about the couple’s upset and frustration. (See info below for Tell Us Once – the government scheme to make sure people don’t have repeat information endlessly when a family member dies and they have to notify authorities.
You can get help and advice on benefits, services and other welfare entitlements from a number of sources. The phone directory and Thomson’s Local have these numbers right at the front, and there’s a host of other charities
Cicely Saunders started the hospice movement in the 60s and today, hospices across the UK provide care, compassion and help in coping with emotional and spiritual as well as physical concerns.
There’s a growing interest in ‘Meaning Making’ at the end of life for the carers and professionals whose job it is to help us – in whatever way we need it – to pass on from this life.