[Announcing the death of a patient to the family]. / L'annonce du décès d'un patient à ses proches.

Breaking the news of a patient's death is a defining moment in the process of caring for families. Making this announcement requires professionalism, taking into account the suffering of the loved one and the challenges specific to this moment. Beyond the theory and proposed benchmarks, the way this news is broken must be thought through by the departments and caregivers. It leaves room for the creativity, adaptability, and humanity of the announcer.

[Announcement of the death of a loved one to a geriatric inpatient]. / L'annonce du décès d'un proche de patient hospitalisé en gériatrie.

A geriatric inpatient may learn of the death of a loved one. The medical team must assess what is the kindest way to announce it to the patient who is already fragile. It will address the patient's relationship with the loved one, the right to information, and the position of the family. Accompanying the patient through this ordeal is also important. This delicate issue needs the reflection of the team.