Reaching the end of your caregiver journey is a very emotional time demanding much courage and compassion. Often we do foresee the death of our loved ones as we witness gradual declines in their health and functioning, but sometimes death comes suddenly.
GATHERING INFORMATION The caregiver can begin preparing for this time by gathering the facts:
Dying is a part of living. Often we avoid the issues surrounding death - not because we do not care, but because we feel so helpless at the time of this final crisis.
DEATH AT HOME When someone dies at home, or other home care or non-medical setting, certain actions must be conducted. If your relative is not in a hospice program, and you or another person finds that your loved one has died, it will be necessary to call 911 immediately to report the situation. If your relative is enrolled in a Hospice program you will be instructed to call the Hospice emergency number instead of
911. Hospice staff will come to the home, assist with details and offer support while you wait.
body to their office to determine the cause of death, which may include an autopsy. The body of the deceased person will not be released until a determination as to cause of death has been made, but this usually only creates a delay of a few days, often less, depending on the circumstances.
TIME CONSUMING PROCESS This process may span several hours. Losing a loved one is very difficult even when anticipated, and perhaps more so if the death is sudden. It is important that you try to stay calm, and that you not disturb the situation until the 911 team and law enforcement arrives. It is important that you consider calling a relative or close friend who is willing to be there and comfort you while waiting for the proceedings to be completed. Be aware that it may take several hours, and that even if you think you are prepared, you will probably be in distress.
The 911-paramedic team may have two to three members. The law enforcement team may have one or two officers responding, unless you suspect something criminal has occurred, then one or more detectives may also be present. If there seems to be more about the scene that requires investigation or documentation, a number of law enforcement personnel from the Department of Forensics may arrive to take photographs, fingerprints and conduct other investigative procedures. Also present would be the physician or medical examiner, and/or mortuary personnel to transport the body.
TYPES OF QUESTIONS THAT MAY BE ASKED
Responders will ask questions about your relative’s past medical history, medications taken and for what conditions, treatments being administered, as well as the names and contact numbers of treating physicians. They may inquire about your relative's overall well being, how much assistance they needed to conduct daily activities and other routine questions to clarify the circumstances surrounding the death.
AUTOPSY The office of the medical examiner often retains the body of a deceased person until a mortuary is designated, and only conducts an investigation or autopsy if there is enough information to indicate a crime may have been committed. They are well trained in cultural and religious differences and make every effort to honor beliefs that object to an autopsy. However when necessary, it is part of the procedure.
PATHFINDER: A Guide for
helping older relatives or friends make more
informed choices about end of life decisions
Prepared for Pima Council on Aging by the Arizona
Center on Aging, the University of Arizona®