Information
CQC's Essential Standards of Quality and Safety:
indicates what outcomes people should expect in relation to information shared about them and information given to them to enable them to make choices.
Managers of all relevant social care services should use their professional judgement when deciding whether to inform CQC about the death of an individual who received support from their service. This will not include the managers of Care Homes and the Adult Placement Project where the notification of the death of an individual is a statutory requirement.
C&ACD social care staff should signpost individuals to other organisations that will give advice on making wills etc. (See appendix 2.)
Preserving the dignity of an individual
Taking into account any religious and cultural requirements and requests, and providing that they feel comfortable to do so, staff may take any appropriate steps to ensure the dignity of the deceased before the next of kin arrives. Examples of what social care staff may do could include cleaning up bodily fluids, adjusting clothing and combing hair.
Staff
Staff should be aware that how they deal with the death of an individual might have a very profound effect on other people using the service. By adopting a calm and professional attitude this may help to inspire confidence in the service being provided.
Staff should be given the opportunity to attend bereavement training.
Line managers should take into consideration the length and intensity of the professional working relationship between staff and individuals and their family/representatives when deciding whether staff can attend the funeral of an individual. Managers should be aware that attending the funeral of an individual may help members of staff to deal with their own feelings of grief.
