Home Hospice in BC: Forms and Considerations
As a death doula, A big topic of discussion is navigating home hospice care in British Columbia. The journey of end-of-life care can be both emotionally and administratively complex. It can feel disjointed and unclear as if you are expected to be an expert in who to speak with and what to do in what time frames. Understanding and knowing where to find the forms and practical steps, along with spiritual considerations, can help bring clarity and peace to you and your loved ones.
BC Expected/ Planned Home Deaths
1. No Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (No CPR) Form
This form indicates that a person does not wish to undergo CPR if their heart stops or they stop breathing. It is usually discussed with the healthcare provider and can be included in an advance care plan. Having this form in place respects the patient’s wishes and guides emergency responders.
2. Notification of Expected Death in the Home Form
This form is used to notify health authorities of an anticipated death at home. It helps ensure that the necessary protocols are followed and that families can receive support during this time.
4. Registration of Death with Vital Statistics Agency
The physician forwards the Medical Certificate of Death (completed within 48 hours of the death) to the funeral director, who then registers the death with the BC Vital Statistics Agency. This process results in the issuance of a death certificate and burial permit, which are required for social and legal matters.
Practical and Spiritual Considerations
Beyond the paperwork, there are important practical and spiritual aspects to consider:
Practical Considerations:
Preparing the Home: Set up a peaceful, comfortable space for the loved one, including personal items that bring comfort. Always ask what they would like in the room and who they would like in the room.
Legal and Administrative Tasks: Ensure all forms are completed properly, and coordinate with healthcare providers, funeral homes, and authorities and keep them in a safe place that is easy to find.
Care Planning: Decide on around-the-clock care needs, medication management, and supportive services. You can coordinate pain management with your loved ones family doctor and coordinate caregiver breaks by having a friend our death doula present.
End-of-Life Documents: Have advance directives, power of attorney, and spiritual or cultural wishes documented and accessible.
Spiritual and Emotional Considerations:
Rituals and Ceremonies: Incorporate personal or religious rituals that provide comfort and meaning.
Presence and Connection: Be present with your loved one, offering love, presence, and mindful communication. If they have a favourite poem, reading or song this can be a great comfort hearing someone read aloud to them or sit and enjoy music alongside them.
Acceptance and Peace: Work through feelings of grief, fears, and acceptance and the current reality. This can be done as a family, with friends, or with a therapist or Death Doula. Verbalizing, writing or expressing your feelings through movement or art is profoundly healing and having someone validate and hear those feelings is healing.
Final Thoughts
Navigating home hospice in BC involves both understanding the necessary legal forms and honouring the deeper spiritual needs at the end of life. As a death doula, my goal is to support families through this journey—bringing clarity, compassion, and care every step of the way.
If you're facing these decisions or need guidance, don't hesitate to reach out. Together, we can create a meaningful and respectful end-of-life experience.
Reference and additional details: BC Government website
