When someone dies at home family need to be aware of what happens. This is often discussed before the death so that they are aware of what they need do when death occurs. It may be distressing for family members if there are no health professionals present when the person dies, but if planned well this may not always be true. It is important that they are prepared with plenty of written information such as a list of who to call. When people are upset they may not remember what they have been told.
The information provided may include the physical processes that the dying person may go through, as well as the processes and procedures to follow after death. If there is potential for a problem such as a sudden bleed then families need to know this.
It might also be helpful to mention that there is no rush to do something straight away. If an expected death happens in the middle of the night, the family can wait and be with their loved one until morning, and then ring the Doctor or Nurse. Some specialist palliative care services do have a 24 hour contact number, and families may need to be reminded of this and encouraged to use it as the patient enters the terminal phase.
Resources
- The Department of Health and Families in the NT (Remote Health Atlas) has a Fact Sheet on Deaths-overview which provides some useful information on procedures and responsibilities
- The Victorian Government has information for Nurses on verification of death (2010)
- The NHS (UK) National End of Life Care Programme has a support sheet on The Dying Process
Resources for carers
Related CareSearch pages
Clincal Practice
Bereavement and Grief
Nurses Hub
Communication
Supporting Carers
For Patients and Families
Dying at home
Preparing for the end
Changes at the time of death
Caring at the end
Immediately After a Death
Bereavement, Grief and Loss
GP Pages
Managing emergencies
State and Territory Requirements (After death)
References
Return to After Death Care page
This page was created on 27 Augsut 2010
Last updated 27 August 2010*