Care after death is the final act a nurse will carry out for a patient and remains associated with ritual (Wilson [166]). Nursing care for a patient who has died has historical roots dating back to the 19th century (Wolf [167]). However, contemporary nursing practice has moved away from the ritualistic practices of cleansing, plugging, packing and tying the patient's orifices (to prevent the leakage of body fluids) to encompass much more than simply dealing with a dead body (Wilson [166]).

Consideration must be given to legal issues surrounding death, the removal (or non‐removal) of equipment, washing and grooming, and ensuring correct identification of the patient (Wilson [166]). National guidance emphasizes the importance of care after a patient has died, and in particular highlights the value of managing the necessary paperwork and procedure following the patient's death as well as psychosocial care (NEoLCP [101]). Being treated with dignity is an underlying premise of achieving a ‘good death’, and a ‘good death’ encompasses all stages of dying and death (Wilson [166]); this principle, therefore, continues after death.

Carrying out such an intimate act, which in many cultures would be carried out only by certain family or community members, requires careful consideration by nurses and adequate preparation. This can include family members, religious leaders and/or others, depending on patient and family wishes and religion. Every effort should be made to accommodate the wishes of the patient's relatives (Wilson [166]).

For nurses, care after death is a continuation of the care delivered in life (Martin and Bristowe [91]); it should be seen as a privilege and treated with the utmost sensitivity. There is only one chance to get it right so it is imperative that nurses ensure the wishes of the family and carers are, where possible, adhered to. Guidance is available to assist nurses with this complex aspect of care (Wilson [166]). This guidance encourages nurses to honour the integrity of the person who has died and places the deceased and their carers central to the care being delivered while taking into consideration any legal aspects at this time (Wilson [166]). Personal care after death should be carried out within 2–4 hours of the person dying to preserve their appearance, condition and dignity (unless the death has been referred to the coroner or for religious reasons this should not occur).

Care after death can have symbolic meaning for nurses, often providing a sense of closure. It can be a fulfilling experience as it is the final demonstration of respectful, sensitive care given to a patient (Olausson and Ferrell [113]).

Many parts of the nursing procedures relating to care after death are based on principles of infection prevention and control. Care of the patient who has died must therefore take into account health and safety guidelines to ensure families, healthcare workers, mortuary staff and undertakers are not put at risk. Local guidelines should be adhered to with respect to ensuring safety for staff involved in care after death.