What to do when a person dies at home
(in the Czech republic)

If you do not feel comfortable being alone, do not hesitate to call someone and ask them for help. Do not hesitate to call even in the middle of the night; it is absolutely understandable.  It may be useful to arrange such assistance beforehand. Do not be afraid to move the body. During the first hour, before the postmortem rigor, it is easy to wash, dress and smoothen up the deceased. Take care with the body and always handle it carefully and respectfully.

If the person shows no signs of life and death has been anticipated (for instance due to a serious illness) you may proceed in the following manner:

• Call a general practitioner and request a visit to certify the death.*
• Lay the deceased on their back in a horizontal position without a pillow (or with just a small one). It is better to leave the body covered – the process of cooling is then slower.
• Carefully close the eyelids (or place damp cotton on the eyelids for about one hour so that they remain closed). 
• If the mouth has fallen in, carefully place the person’s teeth back in to the mouth. If this seems too invasive you do not have to do it.
• To keep the lips together you can roll up a small towel and place it for some time under the chin. It is also possible to tie a bandage or scarf around the head, knotting it on the back.
• It you feel like it you can wash the hair and body of your dear one and say your farewell in that manner. Be aware that this is a ritual more than a thorough hygiene and do the washing slowly and gently. In case of spontaneous defecation it is suitable after cleaning to place clean linen under the person’s clothes.
• You can dress the deceased person for the funeral. There is no standard practice for what they should wear. Choose clothing that the person liked to wear and which fits them, or such that they themselves would have liked wearing. If during the sickness the person lost a lot of weight and all their clothes are too large for them, do not hesitate to tuck them in. On the other hand, if it is difficult to fit the swelled body into the clothes you can discreetly cut the clothes from the back. It is not necessary to put on underclothes. Linen or diaper underpants and over it pants or a skirt, blouse or a dress… You can leave personal jewelry (rings, chains) on the person’s body or remove them.
• Turn down the heat, open the window.
• Say your farewells and call relatives and friends who will also want to say their goodbyes.