8/17/2019 P42 Care of the Dying v02

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Kettlewell House

POLICY NO: P-42

Date reviewedMay 2011

Issue o2

Pa!e 1 o" 2

C#$% O& 'H% DYIN( ) L#*' O&&IC%*

 As far as possible everything should be done to meet the wishes of dying residents andtheir relatives. They should be able to die with dignity and composure.

Regard should be given to the resident's religious beliefs and a minister contacted if sodesired.

Close liaison between the relatives, GP and urses in charge is essential, and prioritymust be given to the !uestion of pain relief and comfort.

"n admission to the home, every effort is made to gather as much information as possibleas to the resident#s wishes on all aspects of dying. $e use the %Preferred Priorities for Care& document to record preferences and wishes for the future.

M%N'#L C#P#CI'Y #C'The ental Capacity Act (CA) *++ provides a framewor- for decision ma-ing on behalf of adults who lac- capacity. All decisions ta-en on behalf of someone who lac-s capacitymust be ta-en in his or her best interests. nder CA individuals can continue toanticipate future decision ma-ing about their care or treatment should they lac- capacity.  

L#*'IN( PO+%$ O& #''O$N%Y A /asting Power of Attorney (/PA) is a statutory form of power of attorney created by theCA *++. Anyone who has the capacity to do so may choose a person (an attorney) tota-e decisions on their behalf if they subse!uently lost capacity.

,DO NO' #''%MP' $%**CI'#'ION. /DN#$There may have been earlier discussions with the resident about their general care andtreatment aims which may have addressed the issue of Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation. A wish for 0AR will be supported by appropriate documentation duly signed by GP,resident, relatives, and home manager. This document must be reviewed annually as aminimum.

The Care of the 0ying Pathway initial assessment specifically prompts nurses to consider and document the resident#s CPR status.

*'#&& '$#ININ( All staff underta-e annual palliative care training provided in the home. Registerednurses attend palliative seminars at the local hospice.

L#*' O&&IC%*

8/17/2019 P42 Care of the Dying v02

2/2

Kettlewell House

POLICY NO: P-42

Date reviewedMay 2011

Issue o2

Pa!e 2 o" 2

C#$% O& 'H% DYIN( ) L#*' O&&IC%*

The following guidelines should be followed1

1. The care plan should be chec-ed to see if any specific religious practices arere!uired following death

2. 0entures should be inserted, hair combed and the eyes closed

3. Catheters may be removed unless reference has been made to a coroner 

4. "pen wounds should be covered with a waterproof dressing

5. /imbs should be straightened out, placing arms across the chest

6. 2f possible obtain instructions from ne3t of -in as to whether 4ewellery should beremoved and given to relatives, otherwise leave 4ewellery on the deceased

7. The body should be chec-ed to be clean, then clothed in own night attire or asre!uested by relatives. Cover body with a clean sheet leaving head uncovered.5resh flowers may be placed on the chest. The bedroom should be tidied

 8. Relatives, other residents and staff may then wish to pay their last respects

9.The body will then await collection by the 5uneral 0irector