Death at Home

PREPARATION FOR A DEATH AT HOME

WHAT TO DO AHEAD OF TIME

Planning a home death is an option to consider when an individual, their family and the physician are faced with a terminal illness. A planned home death occurs when the patient has chosen to die in the comfort of their own home. This decision making process should include the patients family, the family doctor, and palliative care workers.

The following points are intended to be useful in assisting the patient's family in aranging and carrying out the patients wish to die at home.

(1) Make a plan with the family doctor so you are clear about what will happen and family and friends will also understand what to do at the time of death.

(2) Your plan will include: * Who will pronounce death, how your doctor can be reached, what alternate arrangements have been made should your doctor be unavailable.

(3) Patient's wishes should be clarified by signing a DO NOT RESUSCITATE (DNR) form.

• A DO NOT RESUSCITATE form will be used as the communication tool to document the patient's wishes.
• Original copy of the DNR form is to be kept in the home, but should be carried by patient if away from home for any reason.
• Physician retains a copy of the DNR form.
• Local Palliative Care representative receives a copy of the DNR form and notifies the home care services if involved, that the DNR is in place.

(4) Which Funeral Home should be called to transport the deceased.

(5) Advise family, friends, and others such as clergy or spiritual advisors of your wishes so that they may support and discuss your decisions. Have a written copy on hand for their reference.

THE MAIN GOAL IN PLANNING A HOME DEATH SHOULD CLEARLY BE TO PROVIDE A COMFORTABLE AND DIGNIFIED DEATH FOR THE PATIENT.