At Home Deaths

In this article, we explore what happens when a death occurs at home under different circumstances.

Unexpected Home Death

When a death occurs suddenly and unexpectedly at home, the typical procedure is to call emergency services (9-1-1). Police and ambulance services will attend the scene. There is also the option to call BC Coroners Services directly >

Once the authorities arrive, the deceased comes under the care of the Coroner, who is responsible for determining the cause of death. After determination, the body will be released to the family. At this point, the funeral provider of choice can proceed with the funeral services as requested by the deceased and family.  (The family can start working with a funeral provider prior to the body being released by the Coroner.)

Expected/Planned Home Death

The province of British Columbia developed the Joint Protocol For Expected/Planned Home Deaths in British Columbia to support individuals to die at home with their families or caregivers.

The Protocol provides guidance to individuals at end of life, their families, and health care providers on how to have an expected/planned natural home death. It provides clarity to roles, responsibilities, and activities involved in a home death. For more information on the Joint Protocol speak to your community nurse, family physician or see How to Arrange for Care.

A discussion about a planned home death should occur in the context of a life-threatening/terminal illness where death is anticipated. It is a collaborative process with health care providers, giving primary consideration to what is in the best interest of the patient and family. It typically includes:

• A Notification of Expected Death in the Home form completed by the patient’s physician and sent to the funeral home before the death. With the form in place, the death does not need to be ‘pronounced’; the funeral home can pick up the body; and most importantly, paramedics, police and the coroner will not have to attend, which is required under law for an unexpected or suspicious death.
• A No Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) form is required to document an individual’s wishes and a physician’s order to withhold CPR.

Medical Assistance in Dying
An expected/planned natural home death is not the same as Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD). MAiD provides individuals experiencing intolerable suffering due to a grievous and incurable medical condition, the option to end their life with the assistance of a doctor or nurse practitioner. A future newsletter will cover this topic more in-depth. In the meantime, visit Dying with Dignity Canada for more information about MAiD.