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SamaritanNJ.org 27When Death OccursFor patients receiving care at the Samaritan Inpatient Hospice Center: Notify a staff member.For patients receiving Samaritan hospice care at their home:%u2022 Contact Samaritan at (856) 596-1600.%u2022 Do not call the police or rescue squad or 911.%u2022 Take your time. The hospice nurse will respond promptly.%u2022 Your Samaritan nurse will help you with any calls to the physician and funeral home of your choiceAt the time of death:Breathing ceases, heartbeat ceases, your loved one cannot be aroused, the eyelids may be partially open with eyes in a fixed stare, the mouth may fall open slightly as the jaw relaxes, and any waste matter in the bladder or rectum may be released.Please note: Loss of bodily functions may occur around the time of death. You may protect your loved one, as well as his or her bedding and mattress, by using chux pads (bed protectors) or waterproof padding under the patient and covering the mattress.