An expected, natural death is not an emergency and there is no rush to act. You can do things at a pace that suits you. It is okay to take your time.
Firstly, you will need to confirm that the person has died. Death has occurred when breathing stops and the person cannot be woken up. There is no pulse or heartbeat, and the person’s pupils are fixed. The person’s eyes and mouth can be open or closed. In this recognising dying factsheet, Carerhelp provides further guidance to help you know when death has occurred and provides additional information on how the body may look, feel and respond after death.
Witnessing the death of someone important to us can bring about a range of emotions from sadness to relief. For some, the time after death might feel peaceful but for others it can be very distressing. There is no right or wrong way to feel. You may want to spend some time with them, touch them, cuddle them, talk to them. You may want to wash them or change their clothes. These things are important and can help you to process what has happened.
When you are ready, there are things you will need to arrange. Carerhelp have developed an After the Death factsheet that outlines what steps to take depending on whether your person died in a hospital, palliative care unit or aged care facility or at home.
Carerhelp have also developed a brief 3-minute video that hears from a Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner on aftercare following death, including advice on preparing the body and the importance of facilitating mourning rituals, cultural beliefs, and practices.
Death at home
An expected, natural death at home is not an emergency. You don’t need to call for the police or an ambulance. If dying at home is expected, it is important to have spoken with the person’s doctor about who to contact to issue the cause of death certificate. This certificate needs to be completed within two working days of the person’s death. Any doctor who knows the person’s medical history and can certify the cause and manner of death is able to complete the cause of death certificate. A funeral, cremation or burial cannot be arranged without this certificate.
Death in hospital, palliative care unit, or aged care facility
If the person dies in a hospital or facility, the staff will help you to understand the process and what you need to do. Shortly after death, a doctor will complete the cause of death certificate. A funeral, cremation or burial cannot be arranged without this certificate. After discussion with you, the person may be transferred to the mortuary or another suitable room.