Question

PSWs often provide care for a person's body after death has occurred For some people this is a sacred ritual; others are not comfortable doing this. Reflect on how you feel about caring for the body after death. If you feel uncomfortable, consider asking a colleague or supervisor to mentor you and help you become more comfortable. You may want to ask for additional opportunities at work to gain experience providing this kind of care. Reflect on and write about caring for the body after death.

Answer 1

Caring for a body after death.

• The body of a person should be respected in a same manner as when the person was alive.
• Look for the preferences of the family members on how would they like to dress up or prepare the body of their loved ones, whether they want to participate in the end of life care.
• It is better to prepare the body soon after death as the body stiffens overtime.
• Remove any tubes or invasive lines of the patient. Apply pressure so that it does not bleed.
• If necessary, suction in order to remove any excess body fluid which may cause leakage.
• Use assistance for rolling the body for proper cleaning and positioning
• Gently wash or sponge the body with a wash cloth. Be sure to dry the places you are working on.
• Close the eyes of the person by gently using the finger pads.
• Close the mouth, if the mouth is open, use a bandage and encircle it from the head to the sides of the face and below the chin, croos it over and tie it on the head.
• Close the orifices like nose, ears because it may cause leaking of the body fluids.
• Straighten the legs and tie both the greater toes.
• Place the hand as per the family rituals
• Dress the body according to the family's wishes.
• If dipatching the body to the mortuary label the body properly mentioning the name, age, sex, diagnosis, date of admission, time of deatdeath, as per the hospital policy.