PROCEDURES FOR A PLANNED HOME DEATH

Dying persons have the right to choose to die at home, surrounded by their loved ones. Individuals and their families, whose choice is a planned home death can expect that their wishes will be respected, and they will receive support and coordinated care.

Decision making for a planned home death should be a collaborative process giving primary consideration to what is in the best interest of the patient and family and involving the patient/family, family physician, nursing personnel and others as needed.

Discuss option of in-home death with your physician.

Make a Plan with your family physician so you are clear about what will happen and family/friends will know what to do at the time of death.

Your Plan Will Include:

  • Who will pronounce the death?
  • How your physician can be reached?
  • What alternative arrangements have been made should your physician be unavailable and cannot be reached?

Patients wishes should be clarified by signing a NO CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION (CPR) form.

MAKE PREARRANGEMENTS WITH A FUNERAL HOME

Such arrangements will normally involve making plans with the Funeral Director for transportation of the deceased after death and the options available for final disposition.

How Will I Know Death Occured?

Even though death is expected, you may not be prepared for the actual moment it occurs. At the time of death:

  • There will be no response
  • There will be no breathing
  • There will be no pulse
  • Eyes will be fixed in one direction
  • Eyelids may be opened or closed
  • There may be loss of control of the bladder or bowel

The procedures followed prior to and after death by nurses, physicians and funeral directors will be different from province to province. If your loved one is living with a terminal disease you should ask your physician and funeral director what the procedures are in your area.

PLANNED HOME DEATHS ARE ANTICIPATED EVENTS.
WHEN THE DEATH OCCURS …

DO NOT CALL 911, THE POLICE, OR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT

After Death Has Occurred

If you have health care professionals involved in the care of the dying person, they should be notified of the death. They are available to provide you with emotional support and assistance regarding phone calls to the physician and the funeral home.

A physician must be called by the nurse or the family so that the death can be certified.

At the same time, it is necessary to call the funeral home to inform them that your loved one has died.

You may spend as much time as needed with the deceased person. Do not be afraid to touch, hug or kiss the person. Some people may wish to lie down beside him/her.

CALL Beaverlodge Funeral Service when you are ready. Each death is different. It can be a time of crisis or relative calm. It is not necessary to call immediately. Take time to call the relatives and friends you want to be with you. Once the physician or other authorized person has been to your home and pronounced the death, and you feel ready, call Beaverlodge Funeral Service and arrange for the transfer.