What is the first step when a client passes away in the hospital?

The first step when a client passes away in the hospital is to call a funeral home to make arrangements. This action is crucial because it ensures that the body is treated with respect and dignity following death. Arranging for the funeral home to handle the deceased is typically the responsibility of the family or next of kin, but in many cases, especially in a social work context, the social worker may need to facilitate this process.

It's vital to proceed with the proper preparations for the body before addressing other administrative or logistical matters. While notifying authorities or other parties may become necessary depending on the circumstances or specific protocols within a facility, immediate attention is generally given to the care and arrangements for the deceased.

Other options may come into play later in the process, such as reporting to other agencies or addressing housing matters, but they are secondary to ensuring the respectful handling of the deceased person's remains. This focus on prioritizing the funeral arrangements reflects the importance of caregiving roles within social work and geriatric care.