Looking forward to Lisa version
Meanwhile here an Ai generated version from our Operations Manager
Death of a Resident Policy
Almshouse – England
1. Purpose
This policy sets out the procedures to be followed when a resident dies in the almshouse, including arrangements where no relative, next of kin, executor, or emergency contact can be identified or contacted.
The policy aims to:
Ensure the deceased resident is treated with dignity and respect.
Comply with legal and safeguarding responsibilities in England.
Support staff and residents following a death.
Provide clear guidance regarding communication, property, documentation, and funeral arrangements
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
All almshouse staff, trustees, volunteers, and contractors.
All resident deaths occurring:
within the almshouse,
on almshouse grounds, or
where the almshouse is informed of a resident’s death elsewhere
3. Legal and Regulatory Framework
This policy should be read alongside:
Care Act 2014
Human Tissue Act 2004
Data Protection Act 2018
Coroners and Justice Act 2009
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
Local authority public health funeral duties under Section 46 of the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984
4. Immediate Actions Following a Death
4.1 If the Death is Expected
Where a resident is receiving end-of-life care and death is anticipated:
Follow the resident’s care or support plan.
Notify the GP or relevant healthcare professional.
Respect any known religious, cultural, or personal wishes.
Contact the next of kin or nominated contact as soon as practicable.
4.2 If the Death is Unexpected
If a resident is found deceased unexpectedly:
Call 999 immediately.
Do not move the body unless instructed by emergency services.
Preserve the scene if the death may require police or coroner involvement.
Inform the senior manager or trustee on duty.
Record all actions taken, including times and names of persons contacted.
5. Verification and Certification of Death
Verification of death must be completed by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
A Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) must be issued where appropriate.
Where the cause of death is unknown, sudden, or suspicious, the matter must be referred to the Coroner.
6. Contacting Relatives or Next of Kin
6.1 Standard Procedure
The almshouse will:
Refer to resident records for emergency contacts, next of kin, solicitor, executor, or advocate details.
Attempt contact using all available telephone numbers, email addresses, and postal addresses.
Record all attempts made.
6.2 Where No Relative or Next of Kin Can Be Contacted
If no next of kin or responsible person can be identified or contacted:
The almshouse scheme manager will:
review all resident records,
check for any known GP, social worker, support worker, solicitor, appointee, deputy, or advocate,
attempt reasonable enquiries with relevant agencies where lawful and appropriate.
If no responsible person is identified within a reasonable timeframe:
the death shall be referred to the relevant local authority bereavement or public health funerals team;
the local authority may arrange a public health funeral under Section 46 of the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984.
Staff must:
treat the resident and their belongings respectfully at all times;
avoid making assumptions about family relationships or wishes;
maintain confidentiality in accordance with data protection requirements.
7. Resident Property and Personal Effects
7.1 Securing Property
Following a death:
The resident’s accommodation must be secured promptly.
An inventory of belongings should be completed by two members of staff where possible.
Valuable items should be recorded and securely stored.
7.2 Release of Property
Property may only be released:
to the executor or administrator of the estate,
to a person with lawful authority,
or in accordance with legal advice.
Where there is no known next of kin or executor:
belongings should be retained securely until instructions are received from the local authority, Coroner, or estate administrator.
8. Communication and Support
8.1 Informing Others
The almshouse should:
inform relevant staff and trustees appropriately;
notify residents sensitively, respecting confidentiality and family wishes.
8.2 Support for Residents and Staff
Support may include:
pastoral support,
bereavement support services,
signposting to counselling or mental health services if required.
9. Documentation and Record Keeping
The following must be documented:
date and time of death,
who discovered the resident,
persons contacted,
actions taken,
details of property secured,
any involvement of police, ambulance, GP, or Coroner.
Records must be stored securely in accordance with data protection requirements.
10. Funeral Arrangements
10.1 Where Family or Representatives Exist
The almshouse will cooperate with lawful representatives making funeral arrangements.
10.2 Public Health Funerals
Where no arrangements are made and no next of kin can be located:
the relevant local authority will normally assume responsibility for arranging a public health funeral;
the almshouse may provide available information to assist the authority.
The almshouse may, where appropriate and agreed by trustees:
attend the funeral,
arrange flowers or remembrance,
hold an internal memorial or condolence book.
11. Media and Confidentiality
No member of staff or trustee shall provide information to the media without authorisation.
All information relating to the deceased resident shall be handled confidentially and in accordance with data protection legislation.
12. Review of Incidents
Following a resident death, the almshouse may:
conduct a review of procedures,
identify any safeguarding or health and safety concerns,
consider lessons learned and improvements.
13. Policy Review
This policy should be reviewed:
every two years,
following legislative changes,
or after any significant incident relating to a resident death.
Approved by: ______________________
Position: _________________________
Date Approved: ____________________
Review Date: _____________________