The experience of a loved one passing away at home while under hospice care is a deeply emotional time, managed through a process with clear, supportive steps. Hospice care is designed to ensure comfort and dignity in the final phase of life, extending comprehensive support to the patient and their family. This specialized care ensures that when death occurs, the family is not left alone to navigate the immediate aftermath. The hospice team guides the family through the necessary medical and administrative procedures, allowing loved ones to focus on their grief and honoring the person who has passed.
The Immediate First Step: Contacting the Hospice Nurse
The most important action to take upon the death of a loved one receiving hospice care at home is to call the hospice provider immediately. This is the first and only call required, as the hospice team is responsible for coordinating all initial steps. The number to call is the 24-hour phone line provided by the hospice agency, which connects directly to the on-call nursing staff.
The family should not contact 911 or local police, because the death was anticipated and falls under the management of the hospice medical team. When making this initial call, have basic information ready, such as the patient’s name and the estimated time of death. The hospice nurse will provide specific instructions over the phone and dispatch a registered nurse to the home shortly after the call.
What Happens When the Hospice Team Arrives
The hospice nurse’s primary role upon arrival is to officially pronounce the death of the patient, a necessary medical and legal step. This pronouncement involves a physical assessment to confirm the absence of vital signs, such as a heartbeat and respiration, and recording the legal time of death. The nurse will also begin completing the initial legal paperwork required to start the death certificate process.
The nurse will also provide guidance on post-mortem care. This includes preparing the body for transport, which may involve a gentle cleaning and dressing the deceased in clean clothing, with the family’s permission if desired. The team ensures the family has time to be with their loved one before the body is transported. The hospice nurse will also coordinate the removal of any durable medical equipment, such as hospital beds or oxygen concentrators, provided by the agency.
Post-Hospice Contact: Funeral Home and Legal Requirements
Once the hospice nurse has completed the medical and legal pronouncement, the next logistical step is contacting the funeral home or cremation service. It is beneficial if the family has pre-selected a funeral service, as the hospice team can then directly coordinate the transfer of the deceased. The funeral director will arrange to transport the body from the home, arriving only after the family has been given adequate time for their final goodbyes.
The funeral director handles the official documentation, especially the death certificate. The hospice physician or medical director is responsible for signing the medical portion of the certificate, certifying the cause of death. The funeral home then files the completed death certificate with the state’s vital records office. Families should plan to order several certified copies of the death certificate, as these documents are mandatory for settling financial matters, insurance claims, and accessing bank accounts.
Grief Support and Resources
The support provided by hospice transitions into a dedicated bereavement program for the surviving family members. Federal regulations mandate that hospice organizations offer structured bereavement services for a minimum of 13 months following the patient’s death. This support is available to the patient’s family, caregivers, and other individuals identified as part of the patient’s intimate network.
Hospice bereavement services are varied and tailored to individual needs. These often include one-on-one grief counseling, support groups, and educational materials regarding the grieving process. Many agencies also host annual memorial services. If a person requires a more intensive level of support, the hospice bereavement coordinator can provide referrals to specialized external resources, such as licensed grief therapists or community-based counseling services.