Family Participation in After-Death Care — SCE Palliative Medicine MCQ

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EasyEnd of Life CareFamily Participation in After-Death CareSCE Palliative Medicine

A 70‑year‑old man with advanced COPD is dying. His family ask about the “last offices” process — specifically whether they can help wash and dress him after death. What should they be told?

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Correct answer: D — Family participation in after‑death care is welcomed and encouraged — many families find washing and dressing their loved one a meaningful final act of care

UK NHS Trust guidance affirms that family members may participate in 'last offices'—washing and dressing the deceased—if they wish, and should be supported in doing so, as this can be a meaningful act supporting the grieving process ([doclibrary-rcht.cornwall.nhs.uk](https://doclibrary-rcht.cornwall.nhs.uk/DocumentsLibrary/RoyalCornwallHospitalsTrust/Clinical/PalliativeAndEndOfLifeCare/CareAfterDeathPolicy.pdf?utm_source=openai)). Option A is incorrect—it is not mandatory to send the body directly to the funeral director and this would preclude family involvement. Option B is wrong—although staff perform last offices routinely, family participation is allowed when requested. Option E is incorrect—family members are explicitly not prohibited from touching the body. Option C is false—care can be performed by nurses and healthcare assistants, and involvement of family is permitted, not limited to assistants only.

Reference: Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust Care After Death Policy (2025) and Cambridgeshire & Peterborough NHS Trust Care After Death Policy (2026)