Navigating the last days of life:
a general practice perspective

Navigating the last days of life can feel like an insurmountable challenge; both for people with a terminal illness and for the loved ones who support them. Te Ara Whakapiri: Principles and guidance for the last days of life is a resource developed by clinicians and published by the Ministry of Health (Manatū Hauora) to assist this process. It outlines key recommendations for providing adults with quality and consistent care during their last days of life, which encompasses all aspects of Hauora wellbeing. The following article aims to contextualise this information for use in general practice and other community settings.

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Navigating the last days of life: a general practice perspective

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Symptomatic management in the last days of life

Non-pharmacological methods and medicines

Last days of life podcast

Reflections

Reflections on managing patients in the community in the last days of life

Published: 15th September 2023 | Updated: 19th September

19th September statement added about assisted dying (End of Life Choice Act 2019)

If you would like to know what changes were made when the article was updated please contact us


  • We recognise that there are diverse and nuanced scenarios relating to end of life care in the community. This resource is broadly tailored to the setting of a patient receiving care in their home in their last days of life, regardless of the underlying cause, supported by their family/whānau and the general practice and community health care team. Not all recommendations will be applicable for individual patients and their circumstances, and not all general practices will have the resources or capacity to directly provide all of the services listed, e.g. home visits.
  • This resource is intended to cover the principles of care when a person is in their last days of life; it does not cover all aspects of palliative care and is not restricted to care provided within specialist units such as hospices.
  • The term “family/whānau” has been used throughout this resource to broadly encompass anyone close to the person, who is not part of their health care team, who will provide care and support in their last days of life.
  • Some people may choose, and be eligible for, assisted death as per the End of Life Choice Act 2019. This process is not initiated when a person is in their last days of life, therefore this resource does not cover assisted death. Clinical circumstances may mean that some people who have chosen assisted death are not able to give informed consent at the planned time and are therefore unable to proceed, or the application may not have been completed before they entered their last days. This change in plan may be distressing both to the patient and their family/whānau and should be considered in mental health/wellbeing and bereavement assessments. For further resources on assisted dying, see: https://www.tewhatuora.govt.nz/for-the-health-sector/assisted-dying-service/information-for-health-professionals
  • This resource does not cover last days of life care in children. For further information on paediatric palliative care, see: starship.org.nz/guidelines/allow-natural-death-te-wa-aroha/.

Key practice points

  • Recognising that a person is in the last days of life is often associated with an element of uncertainty. This process relies on clinical judgement and previous experience as symptoms/signs may be subtle and variable. Clinical deterioration may also indicate a life-threatening but potentially recoverable condition, however, deciding whether to investigate or initiate treatment depends on individual circumstances.
  • Communication with people in the last days of life and their family/whānau should be clear, sensitive and respectful, recognising their individualised needs and including shared decision-making wherever possible
  • All decisions relating to end of life care should be documented and considered in the context of any existing advance care plan or advance directive
  • The principles of Te Whare Tapa Whā should be used as a framework to guide and deliver individualised care decisions; this not only includes symptom management and physical care, but also consideration of mental/emotional, family/social and spiritual wellbeing. Be conscious that people’s perspectives and choices may change as their condition deteriorates. Ensure there is ongoing review and discussion about care options.
  • Three key components underpin care for people in their last days of life:
    1. Baseline assessment – identify the lead health practitioner and establish contact protocols, including what to do out of hours or if they are unavailable. Assess physical care needs and requirements for symptom management (including anticipatory medicine prescribing). Also identify any mental/emotional, cultural/religious/spiritual issues or needs for both the person and family/whānau. This proactive process helps identify whether the person has a level of need that exceeds the capacity of the primary care provider.
    2. Ongoing assessment – support the family/whānau in implementing an individualised care plan that includes regular tracking of the person’s condition; this enables all aspects of care to be monitored and addressed in a timely manner (not just physical symptoms)
    3. Care after death – equip family/whānau with practical advice on how to recognise when death approaches and what to do when it occurs. Clinical responsibilities include verification of death, assessing the bereavement risk of family members and recognising when further support is required.
  • Best practice care for people in their last days of life should ideally be multidisciplinary; family/whānau should be made aware of all support services and facilities available to them

Death is the inevitable closing chapter in a person’s life. There are countless narratives that can lead people to this destination: for some, the possibility of death has been long anticipated due to chronic illness, whereas others may face it unexpectedly.

The term “last days of life” specifically relates to the period of time in which death is considered imminent (Figure 1).1 Given the unpredictable nature of human perseverance and diverse pathways leading to death, the duration of this period can vary, and may be measured in hours or days.1 For many, the concept of having a “good death” is highly dependent on how the last days of life unfold, and the manner in which a person dies often persists in the memories of those left behind.2

End of life care should ideally be delivered as part of a multidisciplinary clinical service.3 In New Zealand, an estimated 31% of people die in residential aged care facilities and 22% die in private residences.4 In these situations, general practices may be tasked with helping people and their family/whānau navigate the last days of life; either as the primary provider of end of life care services or in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team.4 The general practice team will often work closely with district nurses, aged residential care facility staff, hospice services and in some cases, ambulance services, when providing end of life care.

General practitioners, nurse practitioners and practice nurses are already integrated into the pathways that lead to end of life care; they are often familiar with the patient’s history, provide clinical care and support throughout their lifetime and are well positioned to identify those with a life-limiting illness (particularly as people begin seeking more regular care). As New Zealand’s population ages, the role of the general practice team within this process will inevitably increase. Terminally ill people should be provided with a consistent standard of care, however, there are considerable challenges that primary care health professionals face when trying to provide end of life care in the community, including:5

  • Funding and resource limitations
  • Capacity and time constraints
  • Access to training and guidance

New Zealand-specific guidance is now available

In 2017, “Te Ara Whakapiri: Principles and guidance for the last days of life” was published by the Ministry of Health (Manatū Hauora) providing a uniquely New Zealand perspective to guide best practice care of people in their final days of life.1 Specific aspects of this work were updated in 2020.6

Te Ara Whakapiri details essential components and considerations, flowcharts and checklists, for providing quality and consistent care for adults in their last days of life, regardless of the setting, e.g. home, a residential care facility, hospice or hospital.1 It also outlines various overarching principles relating to the delivery of end of life care and the health system(s) facilitating this.1 While certain concepts are dependent on health policy and system-level action, those most relevant to primary care professionals include that:

  • Care should meet the individualised needs of the person and their whānau.1 People in their last days of life may experience physical discomfort, in addition to psychosocial and spiritual distress; factors that are often interconnected.7 However, no two journeys leading to the last days of life are the same. Each person’s unique background gives rise to diverse perspectives, challenges and coping abilities. The universal principles of Te Whare Tapa Whā (Figure 1) can be used as a framework to guide and deliver individualised care across all dimensions of a person’s wellbeing.1, 8
  • All information relating to the status of people in their last days of life, their care plan and treatment should be communicated clearly and respectfully.1 Shared decision-making should always be considered; care providers must actively seek input from the person and their family/whānau and create opportunities for them to provide feedback.1 For further information, see: “Tips for communication with family/whānau”.
  • Details of conversations and decisions should be documented and considered in the context of any existing advance care plan or advance directive(s).1 See: “A reminder to think ahead: advance care planning”.
  • Family/whānau should also be supported. It is important to pre-emptively discuss with the family/whānau their role, including how they can be involved in care, potentially difficult decisions (e.g. relating to feeding and hydration, discontinuing non-essential medicines) and physiological changes to look for that may indicate impending death (so they can be prepared).1 Following death, bereavement risk should also be considered, and support arranged if necessary (see: “Assessing family/whānau bereavement risk”).1

Figure 1. The end of life and last days of life.
Adapted from Te Ara Whakapiri, Ministry of Health – Manatū Hauora.1

The baseline assessment provides an opportunity to comprehensively evaluate the needs of the patient (Figure 2); if these needs exceed the resources or capacity of the primary care provider, the patient should be referred to a specialist palliative care service.1

For a comprehensive checklist covering essential aspects of a baseline assessment for people in their last days of life, click here.


Figure 2. General overview of a baseline assessment for people in the last days of life.1, 10, 11

Recognising that a person is dying

Clinical judgement and experience is used to determine when a person is approaching the last days of life.1 However, recognising this transition can be a significant challenge regardless of the care setting as:1, 10, 11

  • Symptoms and signs can be subtle and may vary depending on the patient’s underlying condition(s), e.g. profound weakness, changes in respiratory patterns and mental state, reduced food/fluid intake (see Figure 2 for a comprehensive list)
  • Clinical deterioration may also indicate a life-threatening but potentially recoverable condition, e.g. opioid toxicity, infection or hypercalcaemia. The decision to investigate or treat depends on individual clinical circumstances, patient/family/whānau wishes or advance directive(s).

To access the “Recognising the dying person flow chart”, click here.

As such, there is likely to be an element of uncertainty during this process. In general, the possibility of incorrectly identifying this transition is outweighed by the importance of facilitating timely/open discussions and redirecting care towards individualised comfort and support.1 This also provides the person and their family/whānau with an opportunity to understand and process the possibility of imminent death.1 End of life conversations can be difficult depending on the person’s history, cultural values, beliefs and attitudes, but are best facilitated using open and honest communication (see: “Tips for communication with family/whānau”).1, 2

If a person’s level of consciousness, functioning/mobility, oral intake or ability to perform self-care later improves after initially deciding they were in the last days of life, a reassessment of the current care plan should be performed to ensure it remains suitable.10 The person and their family/whānau should also be given an opportunity to express any concerns.

Determine roles and establish clear lines of communication

After determining that a person is likely to be in their last hours or days of life, a lead health practitioner should be identified/documented (if not already designated) and a clear process established regarding when and how to contact them.1 Ensure contingencies are in place for support both within and outside working hours; a designated alternative contact should be identified, which may include services outside of general practice, e.g. secondary care, palliative care, district nurses, pharmacy, and in some cases paramedicine/ambulance services.

The lead health practitioner should in turn identify and document who the key spokesperson and/or first contact is from within the family/whānau, as well as whether there is an enduring power of attorney (and if this has been, or should be, activated).1 Regular communication with nominated people is essential, particularly if care plan implementation takes place at home.

Establishing a strong working relationship with local palliative care or hospice teams should be a priority in primary care, particularly for general practices with high numbers of older patients. This collaborative approach is particularly important when dealing with patients who have complex needs, as it enables timely discussion and advice to provide the best support possible.

Assess the person’s physical needs

There are five main symptoms that need to be proactively considered for every dying person: pain, nausea/vomiting, dyspnoea (breathlessness), respiratory tract secretions and delirium. A physical needs assessment can help identify the priorities of care, providing practical information on which symptoms are most likely to cause the person discomfort and distress, and what additional assistance may be required.1

This evaluation may consider:1, 10

  • Level of consciousness
  • Pain severity and type. Consider physical signs of pain, e.g. facial grimacing, restlessness, tachycardia.
  • Functional status, e.g. swallowing difficulties, balance problems and falls risk
  • Skin integrity, e.g. pressure injuries, skin tears, skin dryness, ulceration, infections
  • Gastrointestinal/genitourinary complaints. Nausea, vomiting and anorexia are common. Abdominal fullness may indicate constipation or urinary retention. Consider catheterisation if not already in place.
  • Respiratory symptoms, e.g. dyspnoea, respiratory tract secretions, cough
  • Neurological and psychiatric features, e.g. delirium (which may include agitation and terminal restlessness), confusion, insomnia, fear, anxiety/depression

Not all people in their last days of life are able to communicate information about their physical needs or goals; include family/whānau in discussions, if possible (particularly if they are the ones who will be primarily delivering care).1

Discuss symptom management and prescribe anticipatory medicines

People in their last days of life can present with a wide range of symptoms that may change over time; this should be anticipated where possible and a management plan put in place.1

Non-pharmacological management strategies should be used as much as possible, particularly if adverse effects of medicines are a concern or if people are wanting to “die a more natural death”.13, 14 Examples include setting up a comfortable environment/atmosphere, playing music, using relaxation techniques (e.g. deep breathing), and regularly repositioning the person if possible. However, pharmacological management is invariably required. Anticipatory medicine prescribing is usually implemented for people choosing to die at home to ensure carers can provide timely symptom relief without the need for in-person clinician assessment. Medicine regimens can sometimes be complicated as symptoms may occur concurrently, and the recommended medicines may have overlapping indications (e.g. opioids are used for both pain and dyspnoea),6 or interact (e.g. opioids and benzodiazepines may enhance analgesia but can also increase sedation).15

Practice point: Prescribing three to five days’ of “as needed” medicines for a patient in the last days of life is a reasonable balance between convenience and wastage if the dose or medicine is changed or no longer required. A plan should be established for replenishing anticipatory medicine supplies should the patient continue living beyond this timeframe so there is no interruption in the delivery of symptom relief. Anticipatory medicine prescribing may also assist ambulance personnel or other acute healthcare providers, should they become involved, as they may not always carry the medicines recommended in these resources (see articles below for specific recommendations).

Click on the following links to access further information about managing each of the five main symptoms that can occur in the last days of life. These additional articles include anticipatory prescribing recommendations and flow charts adapted from the Te Ara Whakapiri updates,6 accompanied by information contextualised for patients choosing to die in the community with the support of their general practice team.

N.B. This guidance is intended for patients experiencing an “uncomplicated death”. Further secondary care or specialist palliative care input may be required for patients already taking significant opioid doses, with complex medicine regimens, or if symptoms have already been challenging to manage.

Other considerations for care plans in the community1

  • Discontinue non-essential medicines. Care in the last days of life should primarily focus on relieving symptoms and promoting quality of life. Therefore, continued use of medicines for managing long-term conditions is often no longer necessary (e.g. statins, antihypertensives, urate-lowering treatment[s]); many of these medicines are taken orally (which may no longer be possible), and continuation may increase “pill burden” or cause interactions with medicines introduced for symptom control.17 Possible exceptions include anticonvulsants or other medicines used to control symptoms, e.g. a diuretic for heart failure, that could impact comfort or cause distress if withdrawn.7, 20 In some cases, essential long-term medicines may be switched from an oral to subcutaneous route if possible, e.g. levetiracetam, dexamethasone. Most diabetes medicines can be stopped in the last days of life, however, insulin should usually be continued in patients with type 1 diabetes.21 Discontinuing insulin may be appropriate for patients with type 2 diabetes if they have previously only required small doses to achieve glycaemic control.21

    For further information on managing diabetes in the last days of life, see: diabetes-resources-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/resources-s3/public/2021-11/EoL_TREND_FINAL2_0.pdf#page=21

  • Food and fluids. People should be encouraged to continue eating and drinking as long as they feel comfortable doing so (including via parenteral feeding, if appropriate). In most cases, people will become gradually less interested or capable of eating/drinking as they approach death, and increasing food/fluid intake is unlikely to prolong life or decrease their discomfort.22 Trying to compel intake may also cause further distress or result in aspiration, particularly if they have swallowing difficulties.22 However, some people may find pleasure and comfort from tasting food and derive social/cultural benefits from sharing meals with their family/whānau.22
  • Supportive equipment. Identify whether the person requires access to supportive equipment, e.g. syringe drivers, pressure relieving mattresses/cushions, hoist or electric bed, incontinence products or commodes. Contact your local PHO, allied health or hospice service for more information on funding options or equipment loans. An occupational therapist can assess patient-specific needs if required. In some cases, families choose to purchase equipment themselves.
  • Oxygen. The use of domiciliary oxygen is not common in the last days of life unless a patient has established hypoxia due to disease, however, a new prescription may occasionally be considered in the dying phase for certain patients (but this may be dependent on local policies and advice). Dyspnoea is primarily managed using pharmacological treatment in the last days of life, supported by non-pharmacological strategies, as appropriate.
  • Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs). In most cases, an ICD should be deactivated as the person approaches death.23 If not turned off, the device may cause repeated shocking in response to natural arrhythmic patterns that occur close to death;23, 24 this is likely to be distressing for both the person and their family/whānau. Deactivating an ICD will not cause a worsening of cardiac output.
  • Cultural, religious and spiritual needs. Identify any specific traditions, customs or practices that are important to the person and consider how these can be incorporated into the care plan. For some, the last days of life are a time when they want to re-explore concepts of faith and cultural links that have not previously been central to their life.
  • Share information with relevant agencies regarding the person’s deterioration. Depending on the patient’s clinical history, other health services may already be involved in their care, e.g. oncology, geriatrics, district nursing services, residential care facilities. While it may not be practical or applicable in every situation, these groups should be identified and contacted to inform them of the persons deteriorating condition (particularly if upcoming appointments are scheduled). N.B. Ensure requirements under the Privacy Act 2020 are adhered to.

Providing a management summary sheet is good practice for supporting acute health providers outside of the usual care team. For example, emergency ambulance services deal with many cases relating to end of life assessment and care support in the community, particularly if unexpected deterioration occurs outside of usual work hours. Extended Care Paramedics are increasingly involved in providing care for these patients in some areas of the country. Completing a brief management summary sheet can be an invaluable resource as this provides clinical context and guidance to assist these acute health providers in making timely decisions about the patient’s care (that align with their care plan). In New Zealand, paramedics have a legal obligation to provide care to vulnerable and critically unwell people; deviations from life-preserving obligations can be justified based on additional information available in any given situation, such as the presence of clear advance directives.25 In the absence of this information, paramedics must apply clinical judgement as to whether they only provide symptom relief or attempt more active interventions, e.g. resuscitation, assisted ventilation.25 This process can be complicated if the patient is not conscious and there are not clear instructions available regarding their wishes.

For an example management summary sheet, click here.

Tailoring last days of life care for Māori

Ki te wareware i a tātau tēnei tikanga a tātau, arā te tangi ki ō tātau tūpāpaku, kātahi tō tātau Māoritanga ka ngaro atu i te mata o te whenua ki te Pō, oti atu

If we forget our cultural practices, particularly those pertaining to the dead, then our very essence of our existence as Māori will be lost from the face of this earth, to the underworld forever

For many Māori, it is essential that end of life care recognises the importance of whānau and remains grounded in their tikanga (customs) and kawa (protocols).26 Traditionally, whānau assume the role of pou aroha (care stalwarts) during this process, delivering care that:26

  • Is informed by mātauranga Māori (knowledge) passed down from tupuna (ancestors);
  • Encompasses all principles of Te Whare Tapa Whā (physical, mental/emotional, family/social and spiritual wellbeing); and
  • Recognises a connection with the whenua (land)

However, Māori whānau, hapū and iwi are diverse in their perspectives and traditions, meaning there is no single template for end of life care.27 The general practice team should consider the individualised cultural needs of Māori and their whānau, discuss what is important to them, and prioritise a plan that facilitates such customs.1 In some cases, people and their whānau may benefit from being directed to local Kaupapa Māori health services.

Examples of tikanga/kawa that may be important to Māori in their last days of life:26

  • Using te reo Māori (Māori language)
  • Incorporating rongoā (traditional healing) including mirimiri (massage)
  • Observing tapu (protocols and practices that govern things that are sacred or restricted)
  • Observing noa (protocols and practices that return a state of tapu back to its ordinary state)
  • Visiting ancestral homes or tūrangawaewae (places where people feel empowered and connected)
  • Taking care of personal taonga (treasured objects)
  • Including karakia (incantations, prayers, chants)
  • Including waiata (songs, singing)
  • The presence of Māori Kaumātua (Māori elder) who oversee and provide cultural guidance and support
  • Sharing kai (food)
  • Observing hygiene principles, e.g. not using a pillow for the head if it has been used elsewhere on the body
  • Observing protocols around the removal, retention, return or disposal of any body tissue or substances (no matter how minor they may be perceived, e.g. hair)

For further information on providing culturally informed care at the end of life (including sections for both whānau and health professionals), see: www.teipuaronui.co.nz/

To access a list of Kaupapa Māori health services, see: healthpages.co.nz/directory/categories/kaupapa-maori-services

Once the components of an individualised care plan have been established, the next step is to determine the responsibilities of those involved and frequency of ongoing assessment. While New Zealand guidelines state that health practitioners should undertake regular assessments of the person’s condition,1 the practical capacity to do this in-person (i.e. via home visits) can be a challenge in primary care. In many cases it may be the family/whānau who are providing care and reviewing needs with the support of a community-based nurse (or other health professionals) who will report back to the lead health practitioner.

Te Ara Whakapiri includes a simple home care recording sheet to provide to family/whānau. For access, click here.

If they are willing, family/whānau should be encouraged to regularly assess and document symptoms and other aspects of wellbeing so that the need for additional support can be identified and provided early.1 This information should be reviewed at least once daily by a member of the healthcare team.10 If it is determined that a person’s condition is deteriorating or new symptoms have emerged, both they and their family/whānau should be involved in conversations about the options for ongoing care.

Practice point: be conscious of changing perspectives following the baseline assessment. As people attempt to process the prospect of impending death, their views concerning cultural and religious beliefs may change.1 Periodically revisit/discuss these concepts and facilitate needs where possible, e.g. by encouraging contact with chaplaincy services or other spiritual providers including Kaiāwhina and/or Kaumātu.

Being able to recognise impending signs of death is important to ensure the final moments of life are as comfortable and dignified as possible (Table 1).10 Discussing this information may help the family/whānau to prepare for their loved ones passing, particularly if a healthcare professional will not be present. However, these features do not all occur in every instance or in a specific order.


Table 1. Impending signs of death.10

Description Practical advice
(applicable to either health professionals or family/whānau involved in care)

Sleep

People close to death may spend increasing amounts of time in bed or sleeping. It may be more difficult to wake them.

  • Prioritise communication when the person is most alert but never assume they cannot hear
  • Continue talking to them, as appropriate
  • Reassure family/whānau that an increasing need for sleep is a natural part of the dying process and not caused by excessive medicine use

Food and fluids

The person may have minimal interest in eating or drinking. Dehydration is usually not a concern as the body typically adapts to the lower fluid intake.

  • Do not offer food/drink to people if they are unable to swallow
  • Ice chips or a straw/sip cup can help a person ingest small amounts of fluid if required. Mouth swabs soaked in water or fruit juice can also help keep the inside of the mouth moist.
  • Lip balm or moisturiser can be used to prevent chapped/dry lips

Skin

Skin on the nose, ears, hands and feet may feel cooler. Skin can sometimes appear flushed or may become discoloured or blotchy.

  • Apply a cool, moist cloth to the forehead
  • Have an extra blanket available to provide additional warmth, if required
  • Reassure family/whānau that these changes are normal

Confusion

The person may become confused about time, where they are or have trouble identifying familiar people

  • Talk calmly to the person and provide reassurance; identify yourself by name when speaking with them
  • Use a night light
  • Keep familiar objects in the room

Restlessness and agitation

More likely when a person becomes semi-conscious. Signs include twitching, plucking at the air or bed clothes, moaning/calling out constantly and trying to get out of bed (even if unable to stand).

  • Encourage family/whānau to keep sitting and speaking with the person to provide reassurance
  • Consider quiet music, radio or aromatherapy
  • In some cases the cause may be treatable. Consider whether the person needs their position altered, provide mouth care (e.g. ice chips, water spray, lip balm, cleaning teeth) or help with toileting.
  • Clinicians may consider pharmacological treatment, if appropriate, e.g. haloperidol, midazolam

Loss of bowel and bladder control

May occur close to the time of death; often associated with loss of dignity for the person if not sensitively managed

  • Pre-emptively discuss the possibility of these events occurring and options for management
  • Use incontinence products, e.g. pads, pull-ons/wrap-arounds, protection sheets
  • Consider catheter use to drain urine, if appropriate

Noisy breathing

Saliva and mucus may build up if the patient becomes too weak to cough or swallow

  • Reassure family/whānau that this is a normal part of the dying process; it often indicates a transition into deep unconsciousness and is not distressing to the person
  • First-line management should be non-pharmacological, e.g. altering the person’s position or turning them on their side if they are congested
  • Clinicians may consider pharmacological treatment, if appropriate

Breathing patterns

Breathing may become more irregular as the respiratory system slows

  • Changes in breathing patterns may be a sign that death is close – notify any family/whānau not present who want to be there at the time of death. However, sometimes these changes may persist for hours or even days before death occurs.

When death occurs

The person will have stopped breathing and be unresponsive. There will be no detectable pulse/heartbeat and facial muscles usually relax, meaning the mouth and eyes may be slightly open. The person's skin will become cooler and paler.

  • There is no need to rush – it is okay for the family/whānau to spend time with the person
  • It is helpful to note the time of death
  • An ambulance does not need to be called
  • At an appropriate time, the lead health practitioner should be contacted (if not present) so the death can be confirmed and a death certificate written. This can be the next morning if the death occurs during the night.

Kua hinga te tōtara i Te Waonui-a-Tāne

The tōtara tree has fallen in Tāne’s great forest

Before the person’s death, family/whānau should be provided with practical advice on what to do when it occurs. This discussion ensures the person’s dignity, respect and wishes will be maintained following death, and allows their loved ones to focus on processing emotions and supporting each other (rather than decision-making).

Key information to provide includes:10

  • The features to look for that indicate death has occurred (Table 1). It is helpful to note the time of death.
  • There is no need to rush – it is okay to spend time with the person after they die. The family/whānau may also want to contact friends or other relatives to come and say goodbye.
  • The lead health practitioner should be contacted so the death can be confirmed and a death certificate written. If the death occurs during the night, the family/whānau can wait until the morning before making contact.
  • An ambulance does not need to be called; a funeral director will usually arrange collection of the body/tūpāpaku once contacted by the family/whānau. However, there is no legal requirement to use a funeral director and in some cases family/whānau may choose to co-ordinate the funeral themselves. Ensure the family is aware of all legal obligations, e.g. confirmation of cause of death and registration of the death.
  • Keep the room as cool as possible (e.g. turn off heaters and electric blankets); this will help slow the process of decomposition and is particularly important if the person did not want their body/tūpāpaku embalmed following death
  • The person’s body/tūpāpaku does not need to be washed. If a decision is made to do this (e.g. for cultural reasons or personal preference), a sponge can be used on the skin/face, medical/nursing equipment removed, dentures and glasses replaced if wished, and the person dressed in favourite clothes. The family/whānau should be advised that the person’s body/tūpāpaku will become increasingly stiff over time, so any movement or repositioning should not be excessively delayed.

For more comprehensive information and advice for family/whānau on what to do once a death occurs at home and advice for processing emotions, click here

For search tools to help family/whānau find local funeral services, click here (Funeral Directors association of NZ) or here (NZ Independent Funeral Homes)

To access the Death Documents website (a digital tool enabling practitioners to complete and view the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death and Cremation Forms), click here

Assessing family/whānau bereavement risk

Once death occurs, the care team’s involvement continues as family/whānau may require further support. This might involve an ongoing active role for the general practitioner and/or nurse(s) if the family/whānau are enrolled with the same practice, or if they are not, enquiring whether their needs are being considered by another care provider.

A loved one’s death can be one of the most challenging events that family/whānau experience. While many people process grief and integrate their loss, others have significant difficulty adjusting to their bereavement.28 This challenge can be compounded if there is an abrupt discontinuation of contact with the person’s general practice team or lack of follow-up.29

It is recommended to discuss bereavement support and ensure a risk assessment is conducted for all family/whānau members who wish to have one (see link below).1 For family/whānau assessed as being at low bereavement risk, it is usually sufficient to provide written resources (e.g. a brochure or website) and to have a general discussion about the spectrum of emotions that can be experienced. Most will adjust in time with the support of their friends and family/whānau.28 However, more active intervention(s) may be required for people with multiple bereavement risk factors (e.g. high levels of anger or guilt, a lack of social support).1 People can be directed to a local bereavement support agency or specialist support, e.g. from a counsellor or hospice bereavement service. Many funeral director services also offer bereavement support.

To access the “Te Ara Whakapiri Bereavement Risk Assessment Tool”, click here.

Further resources:

Acknowledgement

Thank you to the following experts for review of this article:

  • Dr Kate Grundy, Palliative Medicine Physician, Clinical Director of Palliative Care, Christchurch Hospital Palliative Care Service and Clinical Lecturer, Christchurch School of Medicine
  • Vicki Telford, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Maude Hospice Palliative Care Service, Christchurch
  • Dr Helen Atkinson, General Practitioner and Medical Officer, Harbour Hospice
  • Dr Robert Odlin, General Practitioner, Orewa Medical Centre
  • Fraser Watson, Extended Care Paramedic Clinical Lead, Hato Hone St John

N.B. Expert reviewers do not write the articles and are not responsible for the final content. bpacnz retains editorial oversight of all content.


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Article supported by Te Aho o Te Kahu, Cancer Control Agency.


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