Lesson 3: Transfers and Decedent Care

Question 1

how might a family view a funeral director coming into their home to perform a transfer?

Answer 1

as a stranger in their home

Question 2

upon arrival at the hospital, when should the actual transfer take place?

Answer 2

after all paperwork and incidentals are completed

Question 3

what are the 4 types of transfers that may be performed?

Answer 3

from a nursing home, private residence, medical examiners, and hospitals

Question 4

why is the transfer important? (relational component)

Answer 4

it can be the family’s first contact/first impression with the funeral home, it changes their loved one from a dead body into a living memory

Question 5

what are the best forms of protection while performing a transfer?

Answer 5

universal precautions, gloves

Question 6

is the functional or relational portion of a transfer most important?

Answer 6

the relational portion is secondary to ensuring the family is walked through what will happen and reassured

Question 7

what is the weight capacity of most mortuary stretchers?

Answer 7

maximum weight of up to 400lbs

Question 8

what are the functional components of a transfer to consider?

Answer 8

physically removing the body from the place of death, where to park and in the right way, moving furniture or other surrounding materials, the way the body is shrouded and moved onto the stretcher, and finally removal into vehicle

Question 9

after a deceased is released from the hospital when should the transfer take place?

Answer 9

immediately, it reflects poorly on the funeral home staff if someone completes the transfer several hours after the release