What do we do if a resident tells us they want to die?

What do we do if a resident tells us they want to die?

• A. Ignore the statement
• B. Tell them it is not possible
• C. Stay with the patient and report it to the nurse
• D. Suggest they sleep

Answer: (C)

When someone says they want to die, safety and timely support are the priorities. The best approach is to stay with them and immediately report the statement to the nurse so a trained clinician can assess risk and arrange appropriate crisis intervention. Staying with the resident shows you’re with them in the moment, helps prevent impulsive actions, and ensures that a qualified team member can intervene quickly. After notifying the nurse, follow your facility’s safety procedures, which may include documenting what was said and implementing any immediate safety measures as directed. Other responses do not fit because they ignore the risk or dismiss the person's feelings, which can leave them alone and in danger. Suggesting they sleep also avoids addressing the risk and delaying needed professional help.

When someone says they want to die, safety and timely support are the priorities. The best approach is to stay with them and immediately report the statement to the nurse so a trained clinician can assess risk and arrange appropriate crisis intervention. Staying with the resident shows you’re with them in the moment, helps prevent impulsive actions, and ensures that a qualified team member can intervene quickly. After notifying the nurse, follow your facility’s safety procedures, which may include documenting what was said and implementing any immediate safety measures as directed.

Other responses do not fit because they ignore the risk or dismiss the person's feelings, which can leave them alone and in danger. Suggesting they sleep also avoids addressing the risk and delaying needed professional help.