Step 6 - Care after death
Good end of life care
doesn't stop at the point of death. When someone dies all staff
need to follow good practice, which includes being responsive to
family wishes. The support and care provided to relatives will help
them cope with their loss.
Care after death includes honouring the spiritual or cultural
wishes of the deceased person and their family and carers, while
ensuring legal obligations are met. It also includes:
- Preparing the deceased person for transfer to the mortuary or
the funeral director's premises and offering family and carers the
opportunity to participate in the process, supporting them if they
wish to do so
- Ensuring that the privacy and dignity of the deceased person is
maintained and wishes for organ and tissue donation honoured
- Ensuring that the health and safety of everyone who comes into
contact with the deceased person is protected
- Returning the deceased person's personal possessions to their
relatives.
Tools to help include: