If a resident dies when in the care home SICPs and TBPs should still be applied. This is due to the ongoing risk of infectious transmission via contact although the risk is usually lower than for the living.

It is important that information on the infection status of the deceased is sought and communicated at each stage of handling and risk assessments performed.

Viewing, washing and/or dressing of the deceased see Appendix 12 - Application of infection prevention precautions in the deceased for guidance on the precautions required and what is permitted for certain types of infections.

Staff should advise relatives of the appropriate precautions to be taken when viewing and/or having physical contact with the deceased, including when this should be avoided.

 

Read the infection prevention and control during care of the deceased literature review to find out more about why we do things this way when dealing with the deceased.