To live in this world
you must be able
to do three things:
to love what is mortal;
to hold it against your bones knowing
your own life depends on it;
and, when the time comes to let it go,
to let it go.
EXPECTED DEATH AT HOME - WHAT TO DO
First: you do not need to rush.
If their breathing has stopped and you know that they have died, you can take some time simply to be with them.
You might want to:
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sit beside them;
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hold their hand;
-
talk to them;
-
pray;
-
cry;
-
sit together quietly;
-
call someone you want to be there.
There is no need to immediately start making telephone calls unless there is a medical reason to do so.
When you feel ready
Contact their GP, community nursing team or palliative care team to let them know that the person has died.
A healthcare professional will need to verify the death.
After that, you can contact us.
You do not necessarily have to have the person brought into our care immediately, especially if it is night time. You can, absolutely wait until the morning before calling us.
If you would like more time together at home, or are unsure of what to do please do call us for guidance.
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This time belongs to you
​
The time immediately after a death is
unlike any other.
​
There is no expectation that you should fill
it with activity.
You may want to sit quietly, talk, pray, make tea, call family, open a window for a moment, or simply stay where you are.
​
There is no right way to spend this time.
We are available 24/7 for questions, guidance and care.
FOR EXPECTED DEATH ONLY
If you are spending some time together at home
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You may want some simple
guidance on caring for their
body during this time.