HOW WILL I KNOW DEATH OCCURRED
Even though death is expected, you may not be prepared for the actual moment it occurs. At the time of death:
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There will be no response
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There will be no breathing
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There will be no pulse
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Eyes will be fixed in one direction
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Eyelids may be opened or closed
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There may be loss of control of the bladder or bowel
The
procedures followed prior to and after death by nurses, physicians and
funeral directors will be different from County to County, Province to
Province and State to State. If your loved one is living with a
terminal disease you should ask your physician and funeral director
what the procedures are in your area.
REMEMBER THIS IS AN EXPECTED DEATH AND NO FURTHER MEDICAL INTERVENTION IS REQUIRED
DO NOT CALL 911, THE POLICE, OR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
AFTER DEATH HAS OCCURRED
If
you have health care professionals involved in the care of the dying
person they should be notified of the death. They are available to
provide you with emotional support and assistance regarding phone calls
to the physician and the funeral home.
A physician must be called by the nurse or the family so that the death can be certified.
At the same time, it is necessary to call the funeral home to inform them that your loved one has died.
You
may spend as much time as needed with the deceased person. Do not be
afraid to touch, hug or kiss the person. Some people may wish to lie
down beside him/her.
A
health care provider may also help with the safe, responsible way of
storing and disposing of medication and equipment, but it is the
family's responsibility to do so.
You may have dealt with many intense emotions and challenges in your journey through the loss of your loved one.
It
is important to realize that grief is a highly personal response to
life losses. Grief may last longer than society recognizes, so be
patient with yourself and allow for the expression of feelings that you
are experiencing.
