What is postmortem care?

Postmortem care refers specifically to the procedures and practices that are carried out on a deceased person's body after death. This type of care typically includes tasks such as cleaning the body, positioning it appropriately, and preparing it for the family or for burial. It is vital in maintaining the dignity of the deceased and supporting the grieving family during a difficult time.

Care provided during surgery, during hospital admission, or for terminally ill patients are distinct types of medical care that occur at different stages of a patient's life and do not pertain to postmortem procedures. Each of those contexts has specific focuses and methodologies that do not overlap with the practices associated with postmortem care. Thus, the definition provided aligns directly with what is understood and practiced within postmortem care in a healthcare setting.