Most things you need as part of a home death kit are everyday items. If someone has been cared for at home, then it is very likely that the items will already be in the house. If not, you can ask your community nurse to provide some of them. If someone has been in hospital, then ask the nurses for supplies before leaving.
For dealing with body fluids, you will need:
absorbent bed / continence pads
wet wipes and waterproof dressings
scissors
rubbish bags
disposable gloves
towels to protect the bed
For washing, you will need:
face cloths and towels
basin, soap or wet wipes
mouth wash and sponges
new safety razor and shaving cream
denture fixative, dry shampoo, hairbrush, lipbalm, moisturising lotion, nail clippers and nail file
For ongoing care, you will need:
strong bed sheet
handkerchief
scarf or bandages
insect repellent e.g. cedarwood oil
insect net for open windows (if they must be opened)
You may wish to use essential oils for antibacterial properties, insect repellant, dour control and a supportive atmosphere. Lavender and frankincense are helpful for this. You may also wish to use flowers and candles.
Cooling
Use picnic freezer blocks, gel packs, techni-ice. Freeze plenty beforehand.Wrap in a plastic bag/pillowcase to reduce condensation Air conditioning units can be hired from tool shops
Cremation
Pacemakers/ ICDs MUST be removed. There are restrictions on clothing/items. Ask Kingston crematorium for advice about any other implants
Flies
Maggots hatch within 2 days. Keep the mouth/ nose well covered. Can use UV fly killers or repellant Cedarwood oil around the body
Moving the body
NEVER move the body from the place of death until the death has been verified. You can move a body in any car or van, it just needs to be covered. Consider a trial run if moving in a coffin. A 15st body requires 6 people to lift (depending on weight of any coffin)
Coffins/shrouds
Permitted at Kingston crematorium and cemeteries. These can be bought directly online. If using a shroud for burial or cremation, wrap the body on the day of the funeral
Washing and dressing
Always have at least two people doing this. You can use wet wipes, foam spray and dry shampoo. Ensure any wounds (especially under the body) are sealed with waterproof tape or dressing. Apply a continence pad and check every so often for leakage. Cut along the back of clothes if tricky to put on. After washing put a strong sheet under to help with moving the deceased
Removing medical devices
NEVER do this until death has been verified. Cut a urinary catheter with scissors and pull gently (some urine may come out)
Closing eyes/mouth
Only necessary if causing distress to anyone. Try raising the head, towel under chin, scarf around head. Try a bag of rice over the eyes, a small piece of cotton wool under the eyelid, or vaseline between lids. Place a beautiful cloth over the face
Odours
Use deodorising air freshener gels, incense, essential oils or similar