Body Care

How to Care for the Body

Care of the body engages our hearts, minds, bodies and spirits in a compassionate fashion and usually helps to facilitate healthy grief processes. There is no right or wrong way. The purpose of preparing the body is to prevent any sights and odors that the family/community might wish to avoid during the vigil, and as a symbolic gesture of loving, hands-on care that is usually the last physical contact the family has with the deceased.

The idea of providing body care may be uncomfortable for many people. Because we have become so culturally alienated from caring for our dead, this is understandable. Those who do elect to participate in body care often see their fears disappear. Rather than the mysterious and technically challenging undertaking it is made out to be, body care, like many aspects of home-based post-death care, is a simple, practical task that might be compared to caring for an infant or bed bound patient.

Eyes

If the eyes remain open after death and you wish that they be closed, gently bring lids down over eyes and place small bags of rice or sand (or other substance that can provide a little weight) over the eyes and keep in place until lids remain closed. This usually takes a couple hours.

Mouth

If the mouth is open and you wish it to be closed, use a necktie or long thin piece of non- slippery material (an ace bandage works well), bring it under the jaw and tie a knot on top of the head. A second person is necessary in order for the mouth to stay closed while the knot is being tied. Keep in place until mouth remains closed without a tie. The time varies on this, though it usually takes 1-2 hours. In some cases, it may be impossible to completely close the mouth in this way.

Rigor mortis

Also knows as, stiffening of the joints and muscles, generally sets in within the first few hours, so having the body bathed and dressed soon after death is recommended. However, if rigor mortis has already set in by time bathing occurs (or if the body, prior to death was already stiff), all of the above is possible but may be slightly more challenging. In this situation, an option for dressing the deceased (if regular dressing proves to be too difficult) is to cut the garment(s) up the back and tuck the sides under the body. Sometimes massaging joints will help loosen them enough to make dressing easier.

Bathing and Dressing

The bathing of the deceased can be an elaborate ritual using essential oils, prayers, candles, music or whatever is desired or it can be a simple act using soap and water. It can take place on a bed or a table, indoors or outdoors. It is important to remember that once the bathing is complete the body will need to be carried to wherever it will be while laying in honor. If prior to death the person was bathed thoroughly, minimal bathing may be necessary.

Bathing area

If the bath occurs on a bed or table, cover the area with a plastic sheet or incontinence pads.

Items you need for bathing and dressing may include:

• wash basin

• gloves

• towels, washcloths

• soap

• shampoo

• hair dryer

• fresh sheets and pillowcases diapers/incontinence pads essential oils clothing/shroud/other covering

Essential areas to be washed

Genital and rectal areas are washed well due to the fact that after a death has occurred the bladder and intestines relax and urine and feces can be excreted. Wash and dry these areas thoroughly. We recommend putting on an adult diaper after washing.

Open wounds | Clean and bandage as in life

Skin folds and creases where skin is touching skin | Wash and dry well.

Mouth hygiene | Thorough oral care should be done. This may need to be repeated at the end of the bath after the body has been turned back and forth several times.

If desired:

Wash from head to toe (back, front and sides) Shampoo hair . Shave face Provide nail care Apply makeup. Once bathing is complete, clear area of wet items and replace with clean, dry sheets if staying in place.

Final Care Notes 

Condition of the body

The appearance of the body may change slightly over time. Whether the vigil is 12 hours or 3 days, you will probably notice subtle changes, such as increased paleness, facial changes, and rigor mortis (as stated above). The amount of change largely depends on many factors, including: condition of the body prior to death, cause of death, whether or not the body was autopsied, and temperature of body and environment.

Cooling the body

If keeping the body at home for less than 24 hours, turning on the air conditioner or opening windows to let cold air in may suffice. However, if the home funeral is to last for a number of days, other means may be necessary to keep the body cool in order to slow down the process of decomposition. Embalming is not required. Click here for more information about cooling techniques.