Time of Death

What Families May Notice

When death occurs, it is often peaceful and quiet. While every experience is unique, many families notice a few common signs:

• Breathing has stopped or becomes absent after gradually slowing.
• The heartbeat is no longer present, and the body becomes still.
• The body is very calm and motionless, with no response to voice or touch.
• Skin may feel cool to the touch, especially in the hands and feet, and the skin color may appear paler or slightly different than usual.

These changes are a natural part of the process and are not typically signs of distress. If anything feels uncertain, or if you simply want reassurance, you can call hospice at any time. Our team is here to guide you with calm, clear support at the moment.

What to Do When Death Occurs

When your loved one passes, there is no need to rush or feel pressured. Take the time you need.
When you are ready:

• Call Foundations Hospice using the 24/7 phone number provided
• A hospice nurse will come to your location to confirm death
• The nurse will guide you through next steps and answer questions

Hospice will help coordinate necessary arrangements and ensure everything is handled with care and respect.

How Hospice Supports You at the Time of Death

Our role during this time is to care for both your loved one and your family: bringing calm guidance, clear next steps, and a steady presence when emotions are high. You do not need to manage this moment alone or worry about doing things “the right way.” We are here to support you with dignity and respect.

Hospice support includes:

A nurse visiting to provide confirmation and guidance
When you call, a hospice nurse will come to your location, confirm death, and gently explain what happens next: answering questions with clarity and compassion.

Assistance with contacting the appropriate parties
We help guide you through who needs to be contacted and when, including support with coordinating arrangements based on your family’s preferences.

Respectful care of your loved one’s body
Our team provides gentle, dignified care and helps ensure your loved one is handled with honor and respect at every step.

Emotional support and presence for family members
Families often experience a range of emotions in this moment. We offer reassurance, grounding support, and space for you to process, reflect, pray, or simply be together.

Time and privacy to say goodbye
There is no need to rush. We help create room for quiet moments, meaningful rituals, and personal or spiritual traditions that matter to your family.

We move at your pace and honor your wishes throughout the process. If you are unsure what to do, need reassurance, or simply want someone to guide you in the moment, our team is here: compassionate, steady, and ready to support you.

Honoring Cultural, Spiritual, and Personal Wishes

Every family’s beliefs and traditions are important. Hospice honors cultural, spiritual, and personal preferences surrounding death and final moments whenever possible.

If you have specific wishes or customs, our team will do everything we can to support and respect them.

Gentle Support in a Difficult Moment

The time of death often brings a mix of emotions: sadness, relief, love, and quiet reflection. There is no right or wrong way to feel.

Foundations Hospice is here to support you through this moment with compassion, dignity, and steady guidance. You do not need to know what to do or what comes next, we will help guide you when you are ready.