The Covid-19 pandemic has significantly altered perspectives on dying, with a notable increase in people in England and Wales choosing to spend their final days at home. Marlene Viggers, diagnosed with terminal cancer, expressed her wish to die at home surrounded by family. Her son-in-law, Neil Andrews, shared that Marlene, the family's matriarch, found comfort in being in her own space with loved ones, despite her pain. Supported by the Marie Curie charity, her family provided continuous care until her passing in January 2022 at 73.
Data indicates a shift in end-of-life preferences, with home deaths rising by 5.3 percentage points from 2015 to 2024, while hospital deaths decreased by 4.6 points. This trend accelerated during the pandemic, with home deaths increasing from 24.4% in 2019 to 28.7% in 2022, remaining above 28% since then. Sam Royston from Marie Curie noted that Covid-19 hastened an ongoing change.
The pandemic forced many to confront mortality, with nearly 227,000 UK deaths linked to Covid-19 by May 2023. Restrictions often prevented loved ones from being present, leading to farewells via video calls and limited funeral gatherings. Even Queen Elizabeth experienced this isolation at her husband's funeral in April 2021.
Kate Woodthorpe from the University of Bath highlighted how the pandemic challenged the Western assumption of controlling death, prompting deeper reflections on mortality. A 2021 survey revealed that one in four adults reconsidered their views on death, with many fearing the loss of loved ones.
The Law Society observed a notable increase in will-making, and funeral directors reported a rise in non-traditional ceremonies and direct cremations, which jumped from 3% in 2019 to 20% in 2023. However, Laura Davies from the University of Cambridge noted that many still struggle to discuss end-of-life wishes with family.
Surveys by Marie Curie show a preference for dying at home, yet in 2024, nearly 43% of deaths occurred in hospitals. Royston emphasized the need for better community healthcare to prevent unnecessary hospital admissions, especially with inadequate out-of-hours care leading families to call emergency services.
The issue isn't funding but rather how resources are allocated. Gillian Holtom's experience with her partner Terry Leader, who had terminal cancer, underscores the need for better support. Terry's wish to die at home was unmet due to limited assistance, leading to his hospital admission and Holtom's feelings of helplessness.
Davies suggested that declining confidence in the NHS might drive more people to prefer home deaths, influenced by pandemic experiences and images of hospital overcrowding. Woodthorpe noted that while support for the NHS remains, confidence has been shaken.
As the demand for palliative care is expected to rise by 25% by 2048, the burden largely falls on unpaid family carers. After caring for his mother-in-law, Neil Andrews also supported his mother at home, valuing the dignity and personal connection that a home setting provides in one's final moments.