Death in Professional Care

The death of a loved one is always a difficult and emotional experience, but when it occurs under professional care, whether in a hospital, nursing home, or hospice, some specific processes and procedures come into play. Understanding these steps can help families navigate this challenging time with clarity and support.

Steps to Take After Someone Dies in Professional Care

When someone dies in a professional care setting, there are a series of steps that are typically followed to ensure that the death is handled with dignity and respect, while also ensuring all legal and medical protocols are observed. The following are the key actions and processes that will generally take place:

Initial Steps Taken by Care Professionals:

Immediately following a death, medical professionals will confirm the death and ensure that it is adequately documented. A physician or other medical professional will issue a death certificate, certifying the cause and time of death. The family is then notified, and arrangements are made to transport the body to a designated location, such as a funeral home.

Healthcare providers are trained to offer emotional support to the family during this time. They will guide the family through the immediate next steps, including providing information on how to make arrangements for the deceased and helping to coordinate necessary legal and medical paperwork.

Initial Steps Taken by Family:

One of the first things family members must do is make arrangements for the deceased’s final disposition, such as deciding between burial or cremation and selecting a funeral home or service provider. Additionally, family members need to communicate with each other to coordinate the following steps, ensuring that everyone is informed and involved in the decision-making process. This may include discussing the deceased’s final wishes and making sure that all necessary arrangements are in place.

At Kenna & Turner, we provide support during this difficult time and help your family understand the next steps following someone in the family passing away in professional care.

Dealing with Death in Different Professional Settings

The process and protocols when someone dies can vary slightly depending on the setting in which the death occurs. Here’s a brief overview of what to expect in different care environments:

• Hospitals: In a hospital, death is usually expected to be certified by a doctor or attending physician. In the case of an unexpected death, further investigation may be required. Families are typically provided with privacy and support in these moments, and hospital staff will assist with notifications and arrangements.
• Nursing Homes: Nursing homes are often prepared for the death of residents, especially if they have been in long-term care. The process typically involves notifying the family and ensuring all legal documentation is prepared, including the death certificate. Funeral homes are contacted, and any belongings are returned to the family.
• Hospices: In hospice care, death is usually anticipated, and the healthcare team provides extensive support for the family in the days leading up to and following the death. Hospice professionals guide families through the necessary steps and offer grief counselling, making this a more emotionally supported environment for both the patient and their loved ones.
• Emergency Care Settings: If death occurs unexpectedly in an emergency care setting, there may be a more extensive review of the circumstances surrounding the death, including the involvement of a medical examiner or coroner. The process will be similar to that in a hospital, with attention given to notifying the family and managing the logistics.