Learning a loved one has passed away is a devastating experience. Older adults may pass away alone when family members and friends don’t check in regularly. This is known as an unattended death. If a long period of time passes after death, the situation is referred to as an undiscovered death. If you discover the body of a loved one that has passed, perhaps some days after the death, grief and stress can leave you disoriented and unsure of the next steps to take.
NOTIFY LOCAL AUTHORITIES
Whether or not the death was expected, local authorities and a funeral home should be notified of the death. The local police or fire department will likely call a medical examiner or coroner. If the body is discovered almost immediately after the person passes away, you may want to have a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order on hand in case the paramedics arrive and try to perform CPR. Before you do all of this, however, take a few moments to grieve and say your final goodbyes to your loved one. Consider what clothing to provide for the funeral home and take a moment to reflect. Contacting close family members is also a good idea at this point.
CONTACT A PROFESSIONAL CLEANING COMPANY
Once the body is removed from the home, you may be left to handle unsanitary conditions and a difficult clean up on your own. As soon as a person passes away, their body begins to decompose and creates a serious bio hazard. Bodily fluids and other noxious substances are released into the air and nearby surfaces, like mattresses and sheets.
To protect your health and your loved one’s home, calling a cleanup company immediately is a smart move. These professionals are attentive and sensitive to the emotional delicacy of post-mortem clean-ups. Often, these services are also covered through a homeowner’s Catastrophic Events insurance policy.
Facing the death of a loved one is heart breaking. Cleaning up after an unattended death can be equally distressing, but the help of a professional team like American Family Bio Clean can make the process calmer and easier to bear. Contact us today.
