Back to Basics: What You Need to Know About a Death Event at Home

This week’s episode features hospice nurse Shelley Henry in an in-depth discussion about what should happen when a death occurs at home.  Many hospice patients chose to die at home, in familiar surroundings with their family members.  It’s important that patients, caregivers, and end of life workers understand the things that happen at the time of a death.

Here are some highlights to know: • A hospice team member might not be there when your Person dies.  • Hospice agencies don’t provide ongoing bedside services when a person is dying unless there are symptoms that need to be managed. • The hospice team supports the family when there’s a death, notifying authorities as required, and providing grief support for those at the bedside. • If the death occurs inside a facility like an assisted living facility or a nursing home, the hospice team will coordinate with the facility staff.  • Post-mortem care (respectful, gentle cleaning of a body after death) is often provided. • Narcotics should be destroyed in the home by the hospice nurse according to federal law. • Care at the time of death should never be hurried.  Family members and caregivers should feel supported and never rushed. 

Get more information about hospice and connect with hospice nurse Shelley Henry at The Amity Group. Website: www.amitystaffing.com Watch Shelley’s Tips for Hospice Nurses videos here or on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok.

Connect with Lasting Remembrance to purchase a memorial blanket at lastingremembrance.com. A personalized blanket is a great way to ease grief, bringing warmth, peace and connection after a loss. Using the code heartofhospice gives you a 10% discount on your blanket purchase. 

Find all of Barbara Karnes’ products and resources at bkbooks.com. Read Barbara’s blog at bkbooks.com. Socials for Barbara Karnes: Facebook   IG   LinkedIn   Twitter (X)    YouTube

Hospice Navigation Services understands that you need unbiased, expert support to have the best end of life experience possible.  And we believe you deserve to get good hospice care.  If you have questions about hospice care for yourself or someone you care about, Hospice Navigation Services can help.  It’s easy to connect by phone or video. You can book a 30-Minute Navigation Session for just $45 if you’re starting to talk about end of life care.  A 60-Minute Navigation Session for $95 provides for an in-depth discussion, and allows for up to 3 family members to get the same expert information at the same time. Book a session with an expert Hospice Navigator at theheartofhospice.com.  Connect with The Heart of Hospice Podcast and host Helen Bauer Website:  theheartofhospice.com Social media:  Facebook   Instagram   LinkedIn   YouTube

Email:  [email protected]

More podcast episodes:  The Heart of Hospice Podcast

Podcast host Helen Bauer is a great addition to your event or conference! For speaking inquiries, send an email to [email protected].