Death is a terrible part of life that people would avoid if they could, particularly when someone close dies suddenly or unexpectedly or worse, goes undiscovered for some time. When someone dies alone and outside the care of a physician, this is referred to as an “unattended death.”
The death can occur due to natural causes, suicide, or a violent crime or homicide. Close friends or family endure heightened emotions in these circumstances, and the affected area will require intricate cleaning and restoration due to the complexity of these scenes.
For instance, someone who commits suicide and has been quiet about their mental unwellness up to their death will likely have poor sanitary conditions in the space. The post death cleaning company will need to contend not only with biological wastes from the body but also with preexisting hazards.
We’ll explore secondary issues that may exist and require professional cleaning following a loved one’s death.
Unattended Death Cleanup Extends to Secondary Issues
Some people die alone unexpectedly or suddenly without no one with them and no doctor care. Their deaths can sometimes go undiscovered for extended periods, even months, leading to devastation when those closest to them are finally notified.
Secondary issues can erupt in an unattended death scene where the individual wasn’t discovered for an extended period. Professional cleanup technicians want to bring these issues to light, so it’s understood that the experts handle all aspects of cleanup, including these secondary concerns.
Poor sanitation and household upkeep
When enduring mental unwellness, basic everyday chores and maintaining personal hygiene can become overwhelming.
It’s not uncommon for technicians to come to an unattended death scene where food is left out in the open to spoil, dirty cookware and laundry are strewn in the space, and body fluid accidents are apparent.
Those closest to the victim may try to clean these secondary issues before the cleanup company arrives because they feel ashamed of the home’s condition. The after-death technicians are familiar with unattended deaths and the circumstances that led up to them.
They specialize in removing and disposing of biological waste and are prepared to navigate any hazards. Visit https://crimesceneintervention.weebly.com/blog/unattended-death-cleanup-biohazard-cleaning for tips on unattended death and biohazard cleanup.
The pets
Many people are concerned about the pets that are left behind when close friends and loved ones die, and that’s truer when the death is undiscovered. When companion pets live in the home, it’s a relief when the animal is safe when the person is discovered.
Too often, the owner dies suddenly or unexpectedly, and the animal needs to survive on their own but is unable to do so. Since they’re stuck inside, you’ll find feces and urine throughout the house. This waste can be absorbed into the flooring and produce intense odors.
The animal’s body will also begin to decompose, leading to additional odors and biohazards, including blood and body fluids. Unattended death cleanup technicians will remove the animal from the scene for burial or cremation and include their hazardous waste in the cleaning process.
Pathogens and disease
If the medical history of the individual who has died is unknown, pathogens can pose dangers such as MRSA. Some can remain active for as long as months outside the live host.
When the victim experiences a violent death such as a homicide, blood can accumulate at the scene, making it critical that stringent safety protocol for sanitizing be followed to prevent the particles from coming in contact with those cleaning the site, such as in the lungs when PPE – personal protective equipment is not used.
Damage such as mold
Accidents or intentional death can occur in the household bathroom, particularly with individuals who commit suicide; they perceive this as an area that’s easier to clean. Emergency personnel responding to the scene are focused on reviving the victim instead of contaminated water.
That means body fluids, blood, and other wastes in the water can spill out and absorb into the flooring and drywall and compromise the structure.
Fortunately, after death cleanup teams discover new and preexisting hazards and work vigilantly to eliminate the moisture, repair the damage, and restore the space. Read here for details on selecting an after-death cleanup company.
The pests
The body’s decomposition will have repercussions that occur faster than many people realize. A decomposing body will attract insects within roughly the first 28 hours of passing. It becomes more complex when pests exist in the household, challenging the cleanup service job.
Rodent urine, insect feces, and maggot larvae can all be absorbed into porous surfaces, including the flooring and wall joinery. The unattended body will attract flies, eventually drawing spiders and other bugs and pests.
The waste they leave will produce horrific odors, and some will die and leave rotting carcasses that carry disease. The infestations are secondary issues that need to be addressed as a result of the unattended death.
